09/09/2006
NEWS STORY
The BMW Sauber F1 Team managed to top its previous best qualifying result, achieved just two weeks ago in Istanbul. Nick Heidfeld qualified third at the Italian high-speed track of Monza. Robert Kubica came seventh in the exciting qualifying session. For the fifth time in total and for the second consecutive race the young team managed to get both its BMW Sauber F1.06 cars into the top ten of qualifying.
Nick Heidfeld: This was pretty unexpected. The recent test was not bad, but we didn't know how we would go once we got here. I think this is my best qualifying lap of the year, although I lost time in the second sector. We opted for low downforce and it suits our car. Before we were quick in practice, but could not carry it over to qualifying. We have seen a change of trend in the last two races as we have been able to take this speed over to qualifying. I had a well balanced car and we made a good tyre choice, which was not easy as both types of tyres we have are good. The race will be difficult, but as I am starting third my aim is to finish third! As a new team we are very, very happy.
Robert Kubica: This was another good qualifying for us. In all my three F1 race qualifyings I was in the top ten times, but I ruined my last lap time. At the first Lesmo I went wide and with the tyres dirty I was sliding a lot in the second Lesmo. I'm pretty optimistic for the race as I believe we have chosen the right tyres.
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): That was a great qualifying for our team with the best result so far this season. For the first time one of our cars, with Nick driving, has made it onto the second row of the grid. Everything worked out perfectly for Nick. Unfortunately Robert made a mistake in the second sector on his final fast lap. Despite this, starting seventh is also a good position for him. It was very positive that in the second and third parts of qualifying we were equally as good with and without fuel. Compliments to the team here in Monza and also to everyone else working in Hinwil and Munich.
Willy Rampf (Technical Director): After the third free practice we were optimistic about getting both cars into qualifying three. However, in the end it was a surprise to achieve such a great result. Nick did a perfect job and Robert delivered a strong performance. As well as that, the team played a crucial role in doing its job with the utmost precision. This result also shows we have increased the speed of our development, so were able to use a perfectly balanced low downforce package on this high speed track. Compliments to the whole team.
To check out our Italy qualifying gallery, click here