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2008 Races Review: Kubica makes history in Bahrain
By BMW Sauber F1 Team
November 30 2008
The third race of the 2008 Formula One season, the Bahrain Grand Prix, will forever be allocated a very special place in the still-young history of the BMW Sauber F1 Team: the team's first-ever pole position, and the lead in the constructors' championship were the result of a superb weekend. Part three of our race-by-race season review...
On 12 March 2006 at the "Bahrain International Circuit" the BMW Sauber F1 Team contested its first-ever grand prix. Fittingly, at this year's edition of the "Race in the Desert" the team scored yet another first: After a stellar performance in qualifying Robert Kubica was able to present the team with their first pole position. 1:33,096 minutes was all it took the Pole to secure this milestone, which he posted in the final moments of the last session of Qualifying. Despite a heavily fuelled car, Nick Heidfeld delivered a meritorious performance to complete a good overall showing by the team: he placed sixth.

"From simulation work and wind tunnel data collected before the start of the season we knew the car would be good", commented Robert after Qualifying. "Now it is repayment time for all the months of hard work without respite that was put in. I would like to thank the team for their efforts. Now we are preparing for what is sure to be a hard race."

On race day great excitement reigned amongst members of the BMW Sauber F1 Team. At the start it was clear that the competition was not willing to relinquish victory to the team from Munich and Hinwil without a massive fight. Robert was forced to cede his lead to Ferrari's Felipe Massa, and was then passed on lap two by the Brazilian's team-mate Kimi Räikkönen. At the start Nick retained sixth place, then a lap later made up a position. Shortly thereafter he was able to overtake McLaren driver Heikki Kovalainen in a heart-stopping manoeuvre. Thus, during the opening phase of the race, Robert und Nick occupied positions three and four respectively whilst being within striking distance of the leading duo.

For the balance of the Grand Prix the drivers and pit crew delivered equally outstanding performances: Robert and Nick each drove in totally focused fashion throughout the 57-lap race, with neither being in danger of losing their position at any point. Two perfect pit stops each ensured that the BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers delivered their best overall performance to date.

Robert held on to his place to eventually take third place in the desert state's race.
Nick finished the race in fourth. The team's best overall performance was rewarded with the lead in the constructors' championship, where the BMW Sauber F1 Team led Ferrari by a single point.

"Third race of the season, third podium place", summarised BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. "We really have had the ideal start to the season. Places three and four by Robert and Nick really are a good return for our efforts. These results will be a major boost for the entire team during the coming weeks."
be a major boost for the entire team during the coming weeks."

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