BMW Sauber F1 Team - British GP - Qualifying
Weather: sunny and dry, 24-30°C air, 31-45°C track
Silverstone (GBR). Nick Heidfeld and Jacques Villeneuve qualified
ninth and tenth respectively for the British Grand Prix. Since
the Australian GP this is the second time the new BMW Sauber
F1 Team has qualified both cars in the top ten. Unfortunately
on that occasion an engine change forced Jacques to start
from the back of the grid.
Nick Heidfeld:
BMW Sauber F1.06-06/BMW P86
Qualifying: 9th, 1:21.329 min (3rd practice 2nd, 1:21.361
min)
I am happy. It’s really good we have got both cars in
the top ten, especially if you see who is behind us. This
confirms for me the impression I had after our test in Barcelona
that the latest changes to the car have meant a step forward
for the team.
Jacques Villeneuve:
BMW Sauber F1.06-08/BMW P86
Qualifying: 10th, 1:21.599 min (3rd practice 8th, 1:22.229
min)
I was hoping for better. After the second qualifying session
the car was quick, but in the end it just didn’t work
out for some reason. The car was difficult to drive compared
to earlier in the day, and for some reason we came into the
pits one lap too early. It just wasn’t a good lap. In
the race the podium will be tough but scoring points is the
aim.
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
Compliments to the entire team. This will be the first time
both our cars will start in the top ten on the grid. At the
test in Barcelona last week we were able to see the fruit
of our labours in terms of development of the car reflected
in good lap times. On top of that we have proved that the
faster circuits in particular are good for us. It will now
be very exciting, as the question is when will the cars in
front of us refuel.
Willy Rampf (Technical Director Chassis):
We have both our cars in the top ten and it was not even a
close call as we were fourth and sixth in the second part
of qualifying. We have performed well in all the practice
sessions here and I believe today’s good result reflects
this. Of course we were hoping to make it a little bit highter
up in the top ten, but a lot depends on the fuel load of everyone
else so we will only know that tomorrow.The team and the drivers
have done a very good job.
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