Magic moment in Bahrain last year, but unlikely for 09 race

By BMW Sauber F1
April 23 2009

The 2008 Bahrain Grand Prix, will forever be allocated a very special place in the history of the BMW Sauber F1 Team: the team's first-ever pole position, and the lead in the Constructors' Championship were the result of a superb weekend.

On 12th March 2006 at the "Bahrain International Circuit" the BMW Sauber F1 Team contested its first-ever grand prix. Fittingly, at last year's edition of the desert race the team scored yet another first: After a stellar performance in qualifying Robert Kubica was able to present the team with their first pole position. 1:33,096 minutes was all it took the Pole to secure this milestone, which he posted in the final moments of the last session of qualifying. Despite a heavily fuelled car, Nick Heidfeld delivered a meritorious performance to complete a good overall showing by the team: he placed sixth.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen commented: "This is a fantastic day for Robert and our team. We really did not expect to be on pole position. It is another step up the ladder. Robert managed to do a perfect lap."

At the start of Sunday's race it was clear that the competition was not willing to relinquish victory to the team from Munich and Hinwil without a massive fight. Robert was forced to cede his lead to Ferrari's Felipe Massa, and was then passed on lap two by the Brazilian's team-mate Kimi Räikkönen. At the start Nick retained sixth place, then a lap later made up a position. Shortly thereafter he was able to overtake McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen in a heart-stopping manoeuvre. Thus, during the opening phase of the race, Robert und Nick occupied positions three and four respectively whilst being within striking distance of the leading duo.

For the balance of the Grand Prix the drivers and pit crew delivered equally outstanding performances: Robert and Nick each drove in totally focused fashion throughout the 57-lap race, with neither being in danger of losing their position at any point. Two perfect pit stops each ensured that the BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers delivered their best overall performance to date.

Robert held on to his place to eventually take third. Nick finished the race in fourth. The team's strong performance was rewarded with the lead in the Constructors' Championship, where the BMW Sauber F1 Team led Ferrari by a single point.