By BMW Sauber F1
April 25 2009

Neither BMW Sauber F1 Team driver was satisfied with qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Robert Kubica was 13th while his team mate, Nick Heidfeld, finished 14th. Besides a general lack of the car's performance, both were struggling with an inconsistent car balance. Robert Kubica: "We already knew before qualifying it would be difficult today. We lack overall performance. In qualifying 2 I struggled with the grip of the new option tyres. Additionally, our radio didn't work today so, as a result, it was quite hard to fine-tune tyre pressures and stuff like that. On top of that, we also had two small fires during refuelling in the pits. Although this didn't influence the performance, it didn't help. However, we now have to go on working in a concentrated and calm way."

Nick Heidfeld: "This was quite a difficult qualifying for us. A lack of pace is obvious and, as we are waiting for our aerodynamic update for Barcelona, it is clear we lose lap time in comparison to competitors who already have new parts. At least we knew this before qualifying. Also today the car's balance between the runs was very inconsistent. On my second run in Q2 I was quicker than on my first of that session, but not as quick as in Q1. I was really fighting hard and missed the apex in turn nine. It seems unlikely we can collect points tomorrow, but certainly we will not give up and will try everything."

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): "Qualifying was as difficult as expected after seeing the close gaps in free practice. One point five seconds between first and last means every weakness will result in a loss of a few grid positions. In the decisive second run in Q2 both our drivers complained about the car's inconsistent balance and because of that were not able to fight for the top ten."

Willy Rampf (Head of Engineering): "Of course we cannot be satisfied with our starting positions. After an acceptable Q1, in Q2 we were - in comparison to most of the others - not able to improve on our times from the first part of qualifying. This was the case, although the track conditions had improved. The reason for this has to be analysed. From these positions it will be very difficult to score in tomorrow's race."

BMW Quali Reactions: bad results, as expected

Discussion started by BMW Sauber F1 (IP Logged), 25/04/2009 17:36

BMW Sauber F1
25/04/2009 17:36

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sessions
25/04/2009 19:24

I guess I'm not as down as many over the pace. Nick turned a 133.377 and Robert a 133.487 during their qualifications. The best of the best turned in high 132's on lesser fuel loads so things have an outside chance of some good results in the race. You can't disagree we are due a little break sooner or later. We've experience some rather awful racing luck as of late, so I'm hoping things start to swing a little more in our favour. Anyone agree ?

sessions

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Bogs
25/04/2009 20:05

Sessions,

Unfortunaley, we probably couldn't be in a worse situation in terms of a chance of contact with other cars at the first corner.

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barteks
25/04/2009 20:52

Sh**, Piquet behind both BMWs

2008 Prediction Champion

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Bogs
25/04/2009 20:54

I think Piquets job next year if not sooner will be that of a crash test dummy! He has lots of experience!

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