By BMW Sauber F1 Team
December 22 2006

An eventful and successful year 2006 is coming to a close: The BMW Sauber F1 Team would like to take the opportunity to thank all its partners, sponsors and fans for the ongoing support and wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy holidays.
The debut season of the BMW Sauber F1 Team ended with an impressive fifth place in the Constructors' Championship. Nick Heidfeld, Robert Kubica and Jacques Villeneuve accumulated a total of 36 World Championship points. The two podium positions, in Hungary and Italy, were the season highlights.

Robert, who was the official test and reserve driver at the beginning of the year, replaced Villeneuve from the Hungarian GP and gave a strong performance at the outset in his maiden Formula One race. During the remainder of the season he confirmed his extraordinary talent.

Following Robert's promotion to GP driver, 19-year-old Sebastian Vettel took over the position as test and reserve drive at the Turkish Grand Prix and surprised the experts with several best lap times in the Friday practice sessions. Nick was the most successful driver for the team and finished the season in ninth place of the Drivers' Championship with a total of 23 points.

Nick, Robert and Sebastian will continue to compete for the BMW Sauber F1 Team in the forthcoming season. The trio will be supported by Timo Glock, who will make his debut as the team's fourth driver. On 16th January, the team will introduce the new BMW Sauber F1.07 to the public at Valencia. Join us in looking forward to the first highlight of the new year. On our website, you have the opportunity to follow the launch of the new vehicle with our live stream.

Until then, we wish you all a peaceful Christmas time and a good start to the New Year