Report: BMW bids farewell to F1 by scoring points

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix had a special significance for the BMW team. So when the mechanics revved the BMW engine, almost with a tear in their eye, many fans gathered near the garage. The German manufacturer is leaving F1 and experienced this weekend as the last race for the F1.09. To celebrate the occasion, Nick Heidfeld brought in several points while Robert Kubica narrowly missed out. The team ultimately finished 6th in the Constructors’ Championship and used the 17th race of the season to overtake Williams.

Robert Kubica, for his part, finishes in the top 10 but was disrupted by a spin during a fierce battle with Sébastien Buemi. The Pole will move to Renault next year but thanks his team for everything they have done for him. Nick Heidfeld finishes in the points. The German is 5th in this first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in F1 history and is the first driver after the top teams (Red Bull and Brawn GP). The German benefited from a well-honed strategy.

Goodbye BMW, hello 2010.

Nick Heidfeld – 5th:

« I am very happy with my fifth place. It was a good race where I was able to get the most out of the car and score four points, which is enough to reach our goal at the end of the season, which is to surpass Williams in the constructors’ championship. After being a bit unlucky in the last races, this time I was able to exploit the car’s potential. For a long time, I managed to go at the same speed as the world champion car, the Brawn GP. The strategy of going for a fairly long stint paid off, and the track was even more fun when there was more rubber laid down. It’s a pleasant end to our last season together now, and it’s very emotional. During the last laps, I had to pull myself together to not lose my focus. »

Robert Kubica – 10th:

« I lost the race in the second stint when I was very slow, whereas in the first stint, I was able to run at a good pace, similar to Rubens [Barrichello]. The car was working very well. After changing the tires, I had no grip left. The track was becoming faster and I simply couldn’t keep up with the pace of the other drivers. It was very strange. My battle with Sébastien Buemi was quite tough and a little dangerous. We almost collided while braking at the chicane. He first moved to the left and blocked the inside of the left-hand corner. When I moved to the right, he pushed me towards the inside of the curb on the right of the chicane, and I spun out. He didn’t leave me any room. Thank you very much to the team for these last four years. I hope to see them on the grid next year. »

Mario Theissen – Director:

« It was once again a solid weekend from our team for the season finale. Starting from eighth place, Nick consistently climbed up the ranks to fifth position, thanks to a very good performance. Robert was unlucky three times during the race. After each pit stop, he returned to the track behind a slower car, and due to the collision with Buemi, he lost a position. But the most important point is that thanks to today’s result, we gained another place in the constructors’ championship. Thus, we ended a very tough season with solid results. A big thank you to the whole team, both here at the circuit and to the guys in Munich and Hinwil. »