Formula One news

Double trouble for BMW

BMW-Sauber witnessed a difficult and embarrassing early end to its qualifying session at Monza as the cars Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica suffered from identical failures on the same part of track. Both men were eliminated in Q2 as a result as engine numbers dwindle for the rest of the season.

Heidfeld recovers to the pits on foot

After enjoying a long-awaited return to form with a double top five result at Spa two weeks ago, it was no more than a double disaster at Monza as Heidfeld, followed by Kubica, pulled onto the grass.

"As far as we can see from the data, they both had the same problem," Team Principal Mario Theissen explained. "The two engines were new, therefore the reason cannot be too much mileage or too high stress; a thorough analysis will only be possible once we have dismantled the engines.

"Of course, this has a negative effect on our race prospects. We expected good grid positions on this track. Obviously the failures also influence our engine planning for the remaining races of the season." The two men will line up 13th and 15th for the start on Sunday.

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