Theissen is satisfied with Nick Heidfeld’s performances

BMW-Sauber team director Mario Theissen believes that his team’s first 2009 podium was achieved thanks to Nick Heidfeld’s strong performance. Heidfeld took the second spot on the podium in Malaysia at the Sepang circuit, despite a flooded track.

The German driver took advantage of a pit stop at the right moment to reach the 31st lap of the Malaysian GP as the direct pursuer of leader Jenson Button. According to Theissen, all congratulations should go directly to Heidfeld, and not to the team: He was the one who chose when to refuel and his race strategy.

« We were unlucky in Melbourne and missed a podium due to an unfortunate accident in the last laps, so we are very happy to be on the podium in Malaysia. My thoughts are with Nick Heidfeld who drove to perfection during the race. » admits Mario Theissen.

« We were expecting rainy weather conditions, and that’s why we sent him off with a lot of fuel. He could therefore make just one pit stop, which would have been a good strategy. But in the rain, he did a fantastic job driving an uncontrollable car. »

« We were ready at any moment and at his service when he decided to come into the pit to refuel, but he chose lap after lap to stay on track to empty his tank, and he managed until the red flag was raised! That was the key to success and it speaks volumes about Nick [Heidfeld]’s experience and his ability to drive on a wet track. He was really good.

Conversely, the German leader expressed disappointment regarding the performances of his other driver, Robert Kubica. The Pole won his first race last season in Canada and fought for the title until the Japanese Grand Prix, but this year, no points have yet been added to his tally.

« Robert [Kubica] was certainly unlucky in Melbourne, he could have secured a podium without the accident. And here too, he could have been on the podium if he hadn’t been a victim of a mechanical problem! »

« It’s true that he hasn’t had a very good start to the season, and I hope we can achieve better results with him soon, while for Heidfeld, finishing with a second place was almost improbable without the rain. » concluded the 56-year-old German.