The BMW Sauber F1 Team Successfully Completes European Double Header
Jul 08, 2007
The BMW Sauber F1 Team successfully completed the European double header which was the French and British Grands Prix. Robert Kubica was fourth again in Silverstone, while his team-mate, Nick Heidfeld, who started from ninth, finished sixth.
Robert Kubica: “I am very happy. I found myself in front of Felipe Massa, but this race was not as easy as in Magny-Cours as I had to keep him behind me for the last 13 laps. Being behind here is tough as Felipe lost a lot of downforce, although he was quicker when he was alone on the track. He had a harder job than me as I just had to control the situation, not push too much, not make any mistakes and I was pretty sure I would hold him. In the middle of the race it was quite easy for me, but as soon as I heard over the radio that Felipe was closing the gap I tried to push. I did everything to get the maximum from the car and from me. We are happy to finish fourth, the car felt good and now we have to maximize our potential. Fourth second time in a row and ten points from this isn’t bad. “
Nick Heidfeld: “I am very happy with the race, but not with the race weekend overall. I started from ninth and finished sixth, three seconds behind Robert. The start was special. I didn’t really accelerate better than Giancarlo Fisichella, but overtook him in the first corner on the outside, which I enjoyed, although at the exit of turn one we banged wheels. Later he caught me on the Hangar Straight. I was aware that Felipe Massa would have his second pit stop later than mine, but the advantage of a low fuel load is quite big here, so I could not stay in front of him. All in all I think a better grid position would have improved my chances significantly. The two leading teams are not running away from us and we had Renault under control again. We couldn’t have asked for more today. “
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): “This time we really had to fight hard for our “reserved” fourth place. At the end Robert felt the heat from Felipe Massa for the last 13 laps, but he defended his position very strongly. After starting from ninth, for Nick his sixth position was also very good. Having collected nine points a week ago in Magny-Cours, again we scored eight important championship points and strengthened our third place in the constructors’ battle. The pit stops, which were crucial to our race strategy, played an important part in this success. Performing this way we are well prepared for our home race at the Nürburgring in two weeks. “
Willy Rampf (Technical Director): “This is a fantastic result for our team. Neither car had technical problems, and Nick and Robert were fast and consistent over the entire race distance. In the last part of the race Robert could feel Felipe Massa’s breath on his neck, but was good in defending his position. Nick started from ninth, caught both Renaults and, by finishing sixth, also drove a very good race. Compliments to our pit crew, but also to the guys in Hinwil and Munich as these were 17 really important championship points from the European double header. “
The BMW Sauber F1 Team successfully completed the European double header which was the French and British Grands Prix. Robert Kubica was fourth again in Silverstone, while his team-mate, Nick Heidfeld, who started from ninth, finished sixth.
Robert Kubica: “I am very happy. I found myself in front of Felipe Massa, but this race was not as easy as in Magny-Cours as I had to keep him behind me for the last 13 laps. Being behind here is tough as Felipe lost a lot of downforce, although he was quicker when he was alone on the track. He had a harder job than me as I just had to control the situation, not push too much, not make any mistakes and I was pretty sure I would hold him. In the middle of the race it was quite easy for me, but as soon as I heard over the radio that Felipe was closing the gap I tried to push. I did everything to get the maximum from the car and from me. We are happy to finish fourth, the car felt good and now we have to maximize our potential. Fourth second time in a row and ten points from this isn’t bad. “
Nick Heidfeld: “I am very happy with the race, but not with the race weekend overall. I started from ninth and finished sixth, three seconds behind Robert. The start was special. I didn’t really accelerate better than Giancarlo Fisichella, but overtook him in the first corner on the outside, which I enjoyed, although at the exit of turn one we banged wheels. Later he caught me on the Hangar Straight. I was aware that Felipe Massa would have his second pit stop later than mine, but the advantage of a low fuel load is quite big here, so I could not stay in front of him. All in all I think a better grid position would have improved my chances significantly. The two leading teams are not running away from us and we had Renault under control again. We couldn’t have asked for more today. “
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): “This time we really had to fight hard for our “reserved” fourth place. At the end Robert felt the heat from Felipe Massa for the last 13 laps, but he defended his position very strongly. After starting from ninth, for Nick his sixth position was also very good. Having collected nine points a week ago in Magny-Cours, again we scored eight important championship points and strengthened our third place in the constructors’ battle. The pit stops, which were crucial to our race strategy, played an important part in this success. Performing this way we are well prepared for our home race at the Nürburgring in two weeks. “
Willy Rampf (Technical Director): “This is a fantastic result for our team. Neither car had technical problems, and Nick and Robert were fast and consistent over the entire race distance. In the last part of the race Robert could feel Felipe Massa’s breath on his neck, but was good in defending his position. Nick started from ninth, caught both Renaults and, by finishing sixth, also drove a very good race. Compliments to our pit crew, but also to the guys in Hinwil and Munich as these were 17 really important championship points from the European double header. “
