By BMW Sauber F1 Team
September 15 2006

At Monza, the BMW Sauber F1 Team secured the best result in its short history. In Track Talk, BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen talks about Robert Kubica's stunning race, and Nick Heidfeld's chase.
11/09/06
"Our aerodynamicists hit the bull's eye."
At Monza, the BMW Sauber F1 Team secured the best result in its short history. In Track Talk, BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen talks about Robert Kubica's stunning race, and Nick Heidfeld's chase.

Dear motor racing enthusiasts,

To finish third and eighth in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza has been the perfect conclusion of a fantastic weekend for our young team. For me, the second podium finish within five weeks represents a particular delight as this result not only demonstrates our upward trend, it also underlines that it was the right decision to let Robert Kubica drive our racing car. Despite being just 21 years old, he once again delivered an extremely mature performance, fending off all the efforts of Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, and even made history in only his third Formula 1 race. After all, Robert is the first Pole ever to secure a Formula 1 podium finish.

Nick Heidfeld also delivered in fine style. Unfortunately he exceeded the pit-lane speed limit during his first pit stop and subsequently received a Drive-Thru-Penalty. Nonetheless, at the end of the day he succeeded in scoring a point. Thanks to our best result of the season so far, we have succeeded in passing Toyota in the Constructor's Championship, thus making it back to fifth position. Currently, we hold a three-point lead over them and I expect the thrilling battle for fifth position to be continued down to the final round of the season.

In qualifying on Saturday, our cars already proved to be fast on both a heavy and a light load of fuel, and we succeeded in confirming this competitiveness in the race. I was surprised to see some of our rivals pit earlier than our cars. Throughout the weekend, both our cars not only ran trouble free, they also turned out to be highly competitive. A big compliment to our entire squad: here at Monza, in Hinwil and in Munich. They did an excellent job. When it came to developing the special low-downforce package for Monza, our aerodynamicists definitely hit the bull's eye.

And now some words about Michael Schumacher: a dramatic career ends with a finale that is going to be just as dramatic. From my point of view, Formula One will enjoy a great and prospering future, despite Michael's retirement. On the one hand, I'm convinced that we are going to witness new aces at the pinnacle of motor racing. On the other, Formula One represents a global sports event. Taking a look at the Chinese market alone with its 1.3 billion population, you have to admit that there are major future chances for the pinnacle of motor racing.

With racy regards

Mario Theissen