Countless retirements in a dramatic Australian GP

By BMW Sauber F1 Team
March 18 2008

In the 2008 Australian Grand Prix, just seven drivers made it to the finish line. While Nick Heidfeld could be delighted with his runner-up finish, Robert Kubica was among the 15 drivers forced to retire before the chequered flag came out. .

Formula One's start to the 2008 season was a tumultuous one. Three times the safety car was deployed and more than two thirds of the drivers were forced to retire early. The last Grand Prix when a smaller number of competitors finished the race was the 2005 US Grand Prix. Back then, however, only six drivers took part in the race.

The BMW Sauber F1 Team was also involved in the unexpected incidents. In the closing stages of the race, Robert seemed to be on the way to adding several points to the team's tally, but was forced to park his BMW Sauber F1.08 in the pits. Williams driver Kazuki Nakajima had hit the Pole from behind. Nick, on the other hand, celebrated a great runner-up finish.

David Coulthard (Red Bull) and Toyota's Timo Glock suffered the most spectacular accidents. On lap 27, Coulthard was temporarily airborne following a collision with Ferrari's Felipe Massa - and had to retire as his car was massively damaged. Glock went off on lap 45 to in another frightening airborne incident. Fortunately, both drivers escaped from their accidents virtually unharmed.

Nick was happy that he managed to keep out of trouble. "I had fancied a podium," the 30-year old said, "But I didn't think that finishing runner-up would really be possible for us. Now we know that we are truly competitive - even more competitive than we expected to be." Still, the German isn't ready to push expectations regarding the coming Grands Prix. "Melbourne doesn't represent the perfect indicator regarding a car's competitiveness. The situation could prove to be different in the coming races."