21/10/2006
NEWS STORY
In the 18th and final qualifying session of the season both BMW Sauber F1.06 made it into the top ten for the seventh time. Nick Heidfeld made it into the top ten for the tenth time in total and the fifth in a row. Robert Kubica has now managed this in five out if his six qualifyings. For the Brazilian Grand Prix Heidfeld qualified eighth and Kubica ninth.
Nick Heidfeld: I am quite happy because until qualifying the weekend had been quite difficult for me. I had problems with the balance of the car, which has now improved. This was because of set- up changes and that higher temperatures are better for the tyres and my driving style. The fact the Toyotas have been so strong in qualifying is a damper. The fight for fifth place in the constructors' championship will be extremely exciting for us.
Robert Kubica: It is good to be in the top ten again, my fifth time in six races that is okay. Unfortunately on one set of tyres I locked the brakes on a bump and I could not use a second set. It will be a bit difficult for tomorrow's race, but it is still not bad. You have to have good pace here and I think we have a good consistent pace.
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): That was an average qualifying, but it was not perfect. In the first part Nick had problems getting the tyres up to temperature and, therefore, was lucky to make it into the second and third sessions. Robert was on track to get a good time, but on his last timed lap locked the brakes, which prevented him getting a better position. The positive thing is we made it into the top ten again with both cars.
Willy Rampf (Technical Director): It is good we have both drivers in the top ten of qualifying again, but we had hoped for better positions. We are now in a difficult position to defend fifth place in the championship, but we will do our best.
To check out our Brazil qualifying gallery, click here