Formula One news

Points haul lifts BMW above Renault

A return to form and strong Belgian Grand Prix sees BMW-Sauber pick up a total of nine points, only one less than race winners Ferrari, and move into seventh in the Constructors' World Championship as a result. After a frustrating season so far, the result is a ray of hope for Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld.

Heidfeld is the leading BMW driver in 13th overall

Having qualified third on the grid, Heidfeld ran deep into La Source corner on the first lap to surrender the final podium place to Kubica, who made up two positions off the start line. The duo eventually settled for four and fifth at Spa, however, as a charging Sebastian Vettel stole the final podium slot.

"I managed to make a good start and was second after the first corner," Kubica explained. "I was surprised to see Kimi (Räikkönen) next to me going through Eau Rouge; approaching the fifth corner he braked very late and went off, it is a very tricky place - he came back on the track right in front of me and I played it safe, as we've seen a lot of accidents there over the weekend. Although we had a slight touch, I was able to continue.

Kubica has been linked with a Renault drive for next season

"At times we lacked a bit of speed but, of course, it is good to be fighting for podiums again. The result means a lot of points for the team and is good. Unfortunately, we didn't have the chance to achieve anything better. The result proves we are quite competitive on low downforce tracks, which is a positive sign for Monza. However, we have to analyse why the car was more competitive and felt better during qualifying yesterday."

"Although it is a good result for the team, I have to admit that I'm disappointed," Heidfeld added. "From third on the grid, I had higher expectations but I lost the race on the first lap; my thought pattern before the race went back and forth as to whether I should take the harder or the softer compound for the start. The harder was the quicker one but, of course, not the better one for heating up quickly. Because the sun was shining I went for the harder compound…and paid for it."

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