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Nick
Heidfeld: 6th
BMW Sauber F1.08-07 / BMW P86/8
Fastest Lap: 1:47.306 min on lap 14 (11th fastest overall)
“Although I shouldn’t complain about finishing sixth when I came from
ninth, I must say it is such a shame I couldn’t show my pace today. The
car was so good and I could have gone a lot faster if I hadn’t been stuck
in traffic all the time. I was even saving fuel and tyres because I hoped
the others would kill their tyres and I could attack later. I think some
did ruin their rubber, but still this wasn’t enough of an advantage to
overtake. I had a good start during which I managed to pass Nico Rosberg.
However, because of how the race turned out for me I hardly sweated at
all.”
Robert Kubica: 11th
BMW Sauber F1.08-05 / BMW P86/8
Fastest Lap: 1:46.899 min on lap 14 (6th fastest overall)
“The race was physically very hard. There are so many bumps, I hope the
organisers will work on the surface for next year. On top of that, the
visibility was getting worse and worse as I was getting tired. Over the
final fifteen laps I had an incredible headache. The decision not to pit
on the first lap when the pit lane was closed because of the Safety Car
was unlucky, and cost me a good race result as the cars behind me closed
the gap. The team thought the pit lane would reopen very soon, but this
was not the case. However, that’s racing.”
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
“Another spectacular chapter was added to the Formula One history book.
The first night race was a total success. My compliments go to the
organisers. The race itself was turbulent and influenced by the first
safety car period. Unfortunately the safety car rule meant Robert was
completely out of contention in the race, whereas Nick was able to stay
out just long enough until the pit lane was reopened. This was a shame for
Robert because he was well on his way to score important points for the
championship standings. By finishing sixth Nick made up three positions
and scored three points. Everything didn’t go according to plan either for
our direct competitors as, apart from Nick, out of the top six only Lewis
Hamilton scored points. Congratulations to Renault and Fernando Alonso for
the win in this exciting race.”
Willy Rampf (Technical Director):
“The race start was okay for our drivers. Robert managed to defend his
position and Nick gained a place. After that the race went according to
plan for both cars and they were able to open a gap over the cars behind.
However, then the first safety car period ruined Robert's race completely.
We had to refuel although the pit lane was still closed. The penalty
dropped Robert into a hopeless position at the end of the field - and this
on a circuit where anyway you can hardly overtake. In the end Nick scored
three points, so this means we have still scored championship points in
every Grand Prix this year.”
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