Hockeheim Race: BMW Sauber Reactions
By BMW Sauber F1 Team
July 20 2008
Nick Heidfeld just missed a podium position at the German Grand Prix. The German BMW Sauber F1 Team driver, who started from 12th, set the fastest race lap and finished fourth. Robert Kubica finished seventh, which was the same position he started from.
Nick Heidfeld: "Coming fourth from 12th on the grid is a great result.
Not making it into the top ten in qualifying meant we were free to
choose our fuel load afterwards, and so we went for a rather long first
stint. That's why I was able to stay out during the safety car period
when almost everybody else was refuelling. That was certainly crucial
as I was able to pull away as soon as the traffic was behind me. Before
that I couldn't show my true speed as I never had a clear lap. The car
was good and the fact that I set the fastest race lap proves it. In the
end I was very close to Felipe, but still had no chance to overtake
him. It was a good home race for me and I'm happy I could give
something back to the fans who may have been disappointed by my
qualifying performance yesterday."
Robert Kubica: "It is difficult to be happy after a race like this.
During the first half of the race I was able to match the pace of
McLaren-Mercedes and Ferrari. Suddenly my car's pace was miles too
slow. My tyres lost lots of grip, and perhaps this was because my tyres
cooled down too much. We now have to analyse the data."
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): "If you start from seventh
and 12th on the grid and end up collecting seven points you can be very
satisfied. Of course the safety car period influenced the race quite a
lot. Due to that Robert lost his strong fourth place, whereas Nick
profited from this. Neither of our drivers made any mistakes. On top of
that Nick set the fastest lap, which makes me very happy for him.
However, there is some work for us to do to get back to the front of
the grid."
Willy Rampf (Technical Director): "This was an exciting and thrilling
race for our team! Robert made a good start and was able to move up to
fourth in the first corners. He was able to consolidate this position,
but in the safety car period his strategy meant we had to bring him in
for a pit stop. Nick was on a higher fuel load and, therefore, could
stay out. When the Safety Car came in again, Nick drove several very
fast laps and was able to make up time on his direct competitors. In
addition, the pit crew did a perfect job which enabled him to also
overtake Heikki Kovalainen in the pits. Robert was struggling with the
heavy car and warming up the prime tyres properly, so as a result was
not in a position to set the best possible lap times anymore. We can be
pleased we scored seven championship points today under difficult
circumstances."
Now its time for Robert to rise it, and keep Nick controlled. We will see an exciting season now, with our drivers more matched.
PS. Important is what Mario has experssed (and we have been saying too): "However, there is some work for us to do to get back to the front of the grid."
Also interesting is: "Robert was struggling with the heavy car and warming up the prime tyres properly, so as a result was not in a position to set the best possible lap times anymore. "
Now Robert being the one having problems with heating up tyres? Oh no, please.
Racing against the machine!
And pressures makes more sense, although Robert hasn't been happy with set up and tyres this weekend.
Racing against the machine!
I just hope the bitchh will show up in right time Hungary to give Robert's 'home' crowd some reasons to cheer.
So, that was another entertaining race!
It is good to see Nick back on form, although he can obviously still improve things in qualifying.
And Kubica had the pace too as we saw throughout the weekend, but I guess it just went wrong somewhere and it wasn't his day today.
Can't wait for Hungary - Nick seems to have become a bit of a specialist there and Robert will be out to impress his home crowd as you say Gemm, so I don't think there will be much to choose between either BMW driver, which will hopefully make for an exciting race for the team!
Yeah, true Hungary can be nice.
From what Robert and rampf have said, high downforce tracks ala Monaco and Hungary can work well for us.
In fact Hungary has been always a good track for BMW (at least in the sauber times)
Racing against the machine!
Hope you get into the swing of it. Long time no hear, welcome back.
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