BMW Sauber to keep Kubica and Heidfeld for 2009

Opinions?

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Well im delighted that both will continue with BMW, particularly Nick whose future looked uncertain for a while.
Kubica remaining was quite certain; both driver and the team needed each other and the recent tensions dont take away from the fact he is a great driver.

I dont understand the need for delaying the decision which undermined Heidfeld's position and confidence within the team, just to confirm him eventually. Maybe they needed to see if he had solved his quali problems or still had good pace. Also, interestingly Alonso's future is still not decided and yet BMW made this decision. We'll hear something soon about Alonso surely?

Good decision.

Best choice for next season

Well,well,well,
All the speculation and Nick survived. Good for him and BMW.
2009 is the target year and all the dues have been paid.
I hope Mario,Nick and Robert all decide to work as a team for once.
Allow Nick to chase his goals with support and not undo pressure.
Robert buries the axe and pats his team on the back and says
"Lets go get them."
Mario warms up and treats both guys like he needs them to get the job done.
If it goes in that direction we as fans may see serious results in my opinion and so might the team.
Hey,why not ? It hasn't worked as smoothly as it could with the fear factor method !
I think and hope the signing will lead to a strong showing in Japan

I'm delighted too, Sessions



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:10:06:15:25:06 by sessions.

For me it is a welcomed and expected decision. I did not really think that Mario would sign anyone else. Both Nick and Robert can make a good pair and I hope that we will have the car in 2009 to allow them to fight for wins and the championships.

Good decision by the team, and an expected one as well. Our driver combination is just as strong as the Ferraris and the Mclarens.

Next year will be interresting!


2006 and 2007 Prediction Champion

I have the feeling that Nick was going to be signed anyways. I would really like to know what the hold up was?

Was Mario just trying to light a fire under Nick's but? Or was it negotiations with Robert about signing for more than 1 year??

Good decision for stability inside the team, something very necessary with the rules revolution coming next year.

We have two very race-consistent drivers, and hopefully next year neither of them will have any qualifying problems.

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Or was it negotiations with Robert about signing for more than 1 year??

Probably it wasn't announced before (from my sources, inititally the announcement was scheduled for the Valencia GP days, most likely the monday after it) more down to some contract details, with the contract length being a major issue in Robert's contract (apparently Nick's was already closed, ending after 2009, with an option for 2010, but Mario could still buy it in case he wanted Alonso instead of Nick).

I don't think the Alonso option was really too serious. There were some contract talks, but BMW was offering quite a low salary (far less than what he got at Mclaren) and was asking for a 3 years deal, something Alonso didn't want.
ANd as Nick had recovered its pace in Spa and the two following races, it made easier Mario's decision. Apparently not only pace helped Nick's confirmation. His intelligence during races, with the Spa risky splash-and-dash pitstop for wet tyres, has an asset for Mario too.

Don't know how long's will be Kubica's contract, but for me it would make more sense if it was for more than one year. I don't see Ferrari dropping both their drivers for 2010, and at the moment the 1st replacement would be Alonso (unless there is a major performance by Robert and Alonso doesn't perform). At the moment Alonso is on top of Montezemolo´s list.

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Finally.

And best outcome IMHO.

Nick words after the confirmation: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71200

BMW Sauber Latest News HERE!

Rosberg to BMW for 2009?:

Roberg to McLaren or BMW???

I have a good feeling about this one...

As long as they fight for the WDC and WCC...

Does anyone knows if BMW signed 1 year contract or more with Nick and Robert?

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Gemm
Finally.
And best outcome IMHO.

I'll second that motion and drink to that. I'm glad they kept both of them. It gives them both a chance to shine in the F1.09. Let's hope the boys back at home have done their homework.

WanaM3

Now it's the engineer's job to provide the car to allow them to both fight for wins..

KK, that Rosberg article does not make sense anymore. Both Nick and Heikke are secure in their respective teams, and Rosberg is willing to stay at WIllaims at least till 2009 (included)

BMW Sauber Latest News HERE!

"In the last few days there have been reports that Kubica is already in conversation with McLaren about a drive in 2010 and has had a couple of meetings to discuss the possibilities"

interesting ...

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tghik
"In the last few days there have been reports that Kubica is already in conversation with McLaren about a drive in 2010 and has had a couple of meetings to discuss the possibilities"
interesting ...

Indeed, but very hard to belive. Who was reporting this?

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J-Raid
KK, that Rosberg article does not make sense anymore. Both Nick and Heikke are secure in their respective teams, and Rosberg is willing to stay at WIllaims at least till 2009 (included)

Just my attempt at humour. Trying to have a little fun at the expense of the press and their rumour mongering. They don't want to let silly season die...that article was actually published after the BMW driver announcement.

Seriously, I think Mario wanted to keep Nick all along, but panicked after he saw Nick's shabby performance in Valencia. At the time he was quite open when asked about Nick's chances to stay for 09, and suggested it would only be in the cards if Nick showed his qualy problems were truly behind him.

It also looks more and more apparent that teams view Alonso as damaged goods. If it wasn't for what happened at Macca, signing FA would've been a no brainer for MT. Kimi and Felipe's longterm futures might not be as secure as Ferrari says outwardly, but it feels like it will be a long time, if ever, before FA gets another shot at the title.

BS. Kubica will NEVER go to McLaren. Forget it!

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BS. Kubica will NEVER go to McLaren. Forget it!

Hope you are right. I personally don't see him pairing with Hamilton (Hamilton fears him) and I expect Kovalainen to raise his game next year.

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Seriously, I think Mario wanted to keep Nick all along, but panicked after he saw Nick's shabby performance in Valencia. At the time he was quite open when asked about Nick's chances to stay for 09, and suggested it would only be in the cards if Nick showed his qualy problems were truly behind him.

Indeed. That suits what I have heard.

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Kimi and Felipe's longterm futures might not be as secure as Ferrari says outwardly, but it feels like it will be a long time, if ever, before FA gets another shot at the title.

DOn't be that sure. There is still a high chance of Alonso driving for Ferrari in 2010.
Kimi's renewal was an option taken by the driver, not Ferrari, so it means little. If Raikkonen brings back his past motivation then he is secure, but if he goes the same way as this year, an early retirement (2009 being the last year) is very possible.
ANd Massa isn't secure at all either. He has a contract that is extended year by year. If he goes back to his inconsistency, then he is danger as well.

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After this weekend, Mario is probably scratching his head about this decision. I like Nick a lot. I like my brother even more but he can't drive a race car. Racing is about placing the best person in the cockpit to do the job. Sentimental decisions get absolutely nothing. Maybe Klien should be given a shot. It's obvious that Nick wasn't up to the task again. Eventually he'll wind up being out-qualified by Honda and Force India.

WanaM3

WanaM3, think you are forgetting about 06 and 07 Nick performances, or some races of the season like Spa or Silverstone. DOn't write him off, he will be back in 2009

BMW Sauber Latest News HERE!

Not writing him off, but not making it out of Q3 didn't do his stock any favor. I could understand if he was driving a REALLY bad car, but it was a pretty dismal performance. In an earlier post in this tread, I stated that I was happy they kept both of them, but this past GP wasn't a good showing. Let's hope he can up the anti at the next GP.

WanaM3