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The story so far in Fuji for BMW Sauber
By BMW Sauber F1 Team October 9 2008
THe F1 circus moves this weekend to Japan. Last year, Fuji celebrated its comeback as a Formula One venue after a 30-year break. We'd like to refresh your memory of the events of 2007. .
2007 Japanese Grand Prix.

Formula One's return to Fuji was met with atrocious weather when the drivers got down to brass tacks on Saturday. The third free practice session was cancelled due to bad visibility for the emergency helicopters, and qualifying was held on a very wet track. Nick Heidfeld came fifth, Robert Kubica ended in a disappointing tenth place.

The race started on time in continuing rain, but behind the Safety Car. When it was withdrawn on lap 19, Nick was in third place (both Ferraris had set off with the wrong tyres and had to change them). As soon as the race opened up Jenson Button hit Nick's car, which cost the German driver a number of places. At the end of lap 20 Robertwas in seventh place. Both drivers had problems with engine misfiring, while Nick had also lost his radio link. Robert later collided with Hamilton, for which he received a drive-through penalty.

On lap 42 Fernando Alonso had a major crash, which brought the Safety Car back out. Despite the reduced speed, there were more rain-related accidents. When the race resumed on lap 49, Räikkönen swept past Nick, who was still battling with his misfiring engine. With two laps to go, the BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers were in sixth and seventh position. Then Nick had to pull his F1.07 out of the race with an engine fault. Robert failed to retain the sixth place he had inherited, forfeiting it in the final metres of the race in a breathtaking duel with Felipe Massa, who relegated him to seventh.

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