By BMW Sauber F1 Team
September 28 2008
Instead of the predicted procession on the narrow "Marina Bay Circuit", the huge crowd saw a very exciting first Formula One night race. Nick Heidfeld finished 6th, while Robert Kubica crossed the finish lne in 11th. Reactions... .
Nick Heidfeld: "Although I shouldn't complain about finishing sixth
when I came from ninth, I must say it is such a shame I couldn't show
my pace today. The car was so good and I could have gone a lot faster
if I hadn't been stuck in traffic all the time. I was even saving fuel
and tyres because I hoped the others would kill their tyres and I could
attack later. I think some did ruin their rubber, but still this wasn't
enough of an advantage to overtake. I had a good start during which I
managed to pass Nico Rosberg. However, because of how the race turned
out for me I hardly sweated at all."
Robert Kubica: "The race was physically very hard. There are so many
bumps, I hope the organisers will work on the surface for next year. On
top of that, the visibility was getting worse and worse as I was
getting tired. Over the final fifteen laps I had an incredible
headache. The decision not to pit on the first lap when the pit lane
was closed because of the Safety Car was unlucky, and cost me a good
race result as the cars behind me closed the gap. The team thought the
pit lane would reopen very soon, but this was not the case. However,
that's racing."
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): "Another spectacular chapter
was added to the Formula One history book. The first night race was a
total success. My compliments go to the organisers. The race itself was
turbulent and influenced by the first safety car period. Unfortunately
the safety car rule meant Robert was completely out of contention in
the race, whereas Nick was able to stay out just long enough until the
pit lane was reopened. This was a shame for Robert because he was well
on his way to score important points for the championship standings. By
finishing sixth Nick made up three positions and scored three points.
Everything didn't go according to plan either for our direct
competitors as, apart from Nick, out of the top six only Lewis Hamilton
scored points. Congratulations to Renault and Fernando Alonso for the
win in this exciting race."
Willy Rampf (Technical Director): "The race start was okay for our
drivers. Robert managed to defend his position and Nick gained a place.
After that the race went according to plan for both cars and they were
able to open a gap over the cars behind. However, then the first safety
car period ruined Robert's race completely. We had to refuel although
the pit lane was still closed. The penalty dropped Robert into a
hopeless position at the end of the field - and this on a circuit where
anyway you can hardly overtake. In the end Nick scored three points, so
this means we have still scored championship points in every Grand Prix
this year."
Quote:sessions
Everything looked great, but its still another BS track that doesn't provide overtaking. Had the safety car not come out it would have been a parade with Massa winning by minute. Terrible pit entrance,& too bumpy. They will have to re-think the layout for next year and change it, if possible.
sessions
Wow! What a deal. Shove as many people into one place with less opportunity to see the track and charge 'em more. Stuff your pockets and screw the fans.
Way to go FIA.