BMW Quali Reactions: bad results, as expected
By BMW Sauber F1
April 25 2009
Neither BMW Sauber F1 Team driver was satisfied with qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Robert Kubica was 13th while his team mate, Nick Heidfeld, finished 14th. Besides a general lack of the car's performance, both were struggling with an inconsistent car balance.
Robert Kubica: "We already knew before qualifying it would be difficult
today. We lack overall performance. In qualifying 2 I struggled with
the grip of the new option tyres. Additionally, our radio didn't work
today so, as a result, it was quite hard to fine-tune tyre pressures
and stuff like that. On top of that, we also had two small fires during
refuelling in the pits. Although this didn't influence the performance,
it didn't help. However, we now have to go on working in a concentrated
and calm way."
Nick Heidfeld: "This was quite a difficult qualifying for us. A lack of
pace is obvious and, as we are waiting for our aerodynamic update for
Barcelona, it is clear we lose lap time in comparison to competitors
who already have new parts. At least we knew this before qualifying.
Also today the car's balance between the runs was very inconsistent. On
my second run in Q2 I was quicker than on my first of that session, but
not as quick as in Q1. I was really fighting hard and missed the apex
in turn nine. It seems unlikely we can collect points tomorrow, but
certainly we will not give up and will try everything."
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): "Qualifying was as difficult
as expected after seeing the close gaps in free practice. One point
five seconds between first and last means every weakness will result in
a loss of a few grid positions. In the decisive second run in Q2 both
our drivers complained about the car's inconsistent balance and because
of that were not able to fight for the top ten."
Willy Rampf (Head of Engineering): "Of course we cannot be satisfied
with our starting positions. After an acceptable Q1, in Q2 we were - in
comparison to most of the others - not able to improve on our times
from the first part of qualifying. This was the case, although the
track conditions had improved. The reason for this has to be analysed.
From these positions it will be very difficult to score in tomorrow's
race."
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sessions
Unfortunaley, we probably couldn't be in a worse situation in terms of a chance of contact with other cars at the first corner.
