Formula One news

BMW shines in front of home crowd

The BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers, Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, will start the European Grand Prix from fourth and fifth on the grid following a delayed qualifying session. After qualifying resumed following Hamilton's accident, Heidfeld was right back on the pace and almost managed to sneak onto the front row after recording a best time, which was within a tenth of Fernando Alonso's fastest. Nonetheless, the German is pleased with his performance in front of his home crowd.

Nick Heidfeld said: "It was a dramatic qualifying. I was relieved when I saw Lewis waving his hand and I hope he is ok. After he retired fourth position was my goal. I got there and my lap was good. But still it is a bit annoying to see the gap to second place was only one tenth of a second. Again I enjoyed the competition with Robert a lot. I wouldn't have complained if the session had been stopped instead of interrupted! First of all because I was third at this stage, and second because I would have been able to fly home half an hour earlier. Apart from qualifying I am incredibly happy today because this morning at 5:24am I became a father for the second time. I can't wait to put my arms around my girlfriend, Patricia, our daughter, Juni, and our new born son, Joda. Of course I will be back tomorrow morning and am looking forward to my home race."

Meanwhile, Kubica backed his team-mate's display with the fifth best time and will be hoping for normal conditions for tomorrow's race.

Robert Kubica commented: "The most important thing is that Lewis is okay. Qualifying was good for myself and the team, but I think we are in better shape for the race. Of course the accident to Lewis and the red flag stoppage didn't help, but we have taken an advantage because of this. It will be difficult to fight against Ferrari and McLaren, but the pace of our long runs has been quite good. Let's hope tomorrow will be dry as I think we are in a good shape."

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• 10 Oct.
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  • Mixed Friday for BMW
  • Force India upbeat after practice
  • Honda looking for more pace
  • Ferrari happy with Friday progress
  • Government will try and safe Canadian Grand Prix
  • Strong start for Toyota at home track
  • Renault shows encouraging pace at Fuji
  • Nakajima enjoys first day at Fuji Speedway
  • Glock fastest on Friday
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  • Barrichello's advise to Senna: Do not join Honda!
• 09 Oct.
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  • Canadian GP dropped due to a 'commercial disagreement'
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• 08 Oct.
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  • Senna hopes to join Toro Rosso or Honda
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  • Fuji Speedway snapshot
• 07 Oct.
  • Canada dropped from next year's F1 calendar
  • Ferrari bring back lollipop man
  • Heidfeld hopes to fight for title next season

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