Formula One news

Mixed feelings at BMW

It was mixed fortunes for the BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers when the cars took to the wet track for qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix at the Fuji Speedway. The track conditions meant the team used Bridgestone extreme wet tyres only in the beginning of Qualifying 1 and then wets. Nick Heidfeld was fifth fastest while Robert Kubica was tenth. Qualifying was the first time the drivers had done any running as the third free practice session was cancelled. 

"I am very happy with fifth," said Heidfeld. "I hoped at the start I had a slight chance of catching one of the Ferraris in the wet conditions, but it didn't work out. Qualifying wasn't easy, but in general the grip level of this circuit in the wet is pretty good. During the final laps I couldn't improve, as the last set of new tyres degraded too quickly. The weather forecast currently varies, but if I had my choice I would wish for a race under wet conditions." 

Robert Kubica commented, "It was not very good for me at all during qualifying. Unfortunately we missed some experience of running in the wet. I had graining and I don't think our timing was right in qualifying three. We now have to see how the weather is tomorrow, although on today's performance I would prefer dry." 

Team boss Mario Theissen added, "The weather conditions today were very unusual. Nevertheless we have the usual picture for the first five starting positions. With Robert not everything went perfect in Q3, but Nick did well in all three qualifying sessions. The weather predictions for tomorrow are not clear. We have to prepare for a wet race and for a drying track. I think we can expect different race strategies tomorrow and, therefore, an interesting race."

more news

• 11 Oct.
  • Photos: Saturday at Fuji
  • Mixed result at Red Bull Racing
  • Toyota team make it into top ten
  • Massa laments lack of grip
  • Hamilton happy on pole
  • Hamilton takes Japanese pole
  • Kubica on top in wet free practice
• 10 Oct.
  • Bridgestone expects grip to improve during the weekend
  • Buemi to steer medical car
  • Trouble-free day for McLaren
  • Positive day for Toro Rosso
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • 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
  • Photos: Friday at Fuji
  • Hamilton leads first practice in Japan
  • Nakajima pleased with his first F1 season so far
  • Barrichello's advise to Senna: Do not join Honda!
• 09 Oct.
  • Massa focused ahead of vital race weekend
  • Raikkonen hoping for better
  • Button still waiting for Honda's driver decision
  • Canadian GP dropped due to a 'commercial disagreement'
  • New engine for Glock
  • F1 drivers: It's a shame to see Canada go
  • Ecclestone outlines dramatic F1 engine plans
  • Hamilton: I'm stronger and in a better position
  • Alonso: BMW was never a serious option
  • Photos: Thursday at Fuji
  • Japanese Grand Prix technical preview
• 08 Oct.
  • Bridgestone to introduce green tyres in Japan
  • Senna hopes to join Toro Rosso or Honda
  • Di Resta to test McLaren at Silverstone
  • Canadian GP organisers surprised with FIA's decision

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