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08 Race Review: Valencia, Kubica back to podium
By BMW Sauber F1 Team
December 24 2008
After Formula One's summer break, the BMW Sauber F1 Team was once again able to demonstrate its excellent form: Robert Kubica celebrated the team from Munich and Hinwil's first podium place since the Silverstone round. The real star of the show, though, was the new "Valencia Street Circuit".
The new hosting venue for the European Grand Prix had long been a hot topic of conversation amongst drivers and fans alike. A 5.419-kilometre circuit, one which on paper promised much for the race weekend ahead, had been laid out within Valencia's harbour area. However, overtaking manoeuvres during the race were minimal. Still, the »Valencia Street Circuit« created an extremely positive impression upon its world championship debut.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen summarised the circuit thus: »The atmosphere in the city and at the circuit around the harbour is just fantastic. The panache is best compared to that found in Monaco, although the circuit itself reminds of Montreal even if Valencia offers more and larger run-off areas. In my opinion, Valencia has immediately become one of the highlights of the season.«

For Robert the 18th European Grand Prix was also to prove a sporting highlight. For the first time in his career the Pole qualified third on the grid, holding that position to the fall of the flag on Sunday. Immediately after the start he immersed himself in a duel with Lewis Hamilton (McLaren), only to experience handling problems after a plastic bag wrapped itself around a critical part of his BMW Sauber F1.08. Apart from that setback, both cars ran without problems. Robert drove an error-free, if somewhat lonely race to eventually cross the line in third place, 37.353 seconds adrift of winner Felipe Massa (Ferrari).

Nick Heidfeld's eighth place in qualifying meant he faced a bigger challenge than did his team-mate. The team had hoped the German would be in a position to force his way forward during the start of the race. The reality was, though, somewhat different - in the hustle through the first corner he was to lose a place. The tightness of the mid-field meant he was seldom able to run to his true potential, and had to be satisfied with ninth overall in the final classification.

However, the BMW Sauber F1 Team had managed to bounce back impressively after a difficult race in Budapest, and played a key role in Valencia's exciting inaugural Grand Prix.

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