By BMW Sauber F1 Team
August 11 2006

Nick Heidfeld is convinced of the qualities of his team-mate, Robert Kubica. The German is particularly impressed by Robert's ability to learn a new track extremely quickly. However, Nick admits that he had early qualms regarding having a 21-year-old driver in the team. Nick and Robert have been team-mates from the beginning of the 2006 season. As BMW Sauber F1 Team Friday tester, Robert has delivered in fine style throughout the season, thus far, and will now contest the remaining five rounds of the season as Grand Prix driver.

Nick has full confidence in the skills of the young Pole who contested his maiden Grand Prix in Hungary. "Even more than by his pace I'm impressed by the fact that he makes nearly no mistakes," says Nick.

"Prior to the season, I stood up for an experienced third driver," Nick admits with hindsight. "I didn't want us to lose time while a young driver adapted to new tracks. But Robert learns new tracks extremely quickly and he makes very few mistakes."