Good to be back on the podium - Theissen

The premiere of the European Grand Prix in Valencia only went partly according to plan for the BMW Sauber F1 Team. While Robert Kubica picked up another six World Championship points, team-mate Nick Heidfeld left the Spanish city empty-handed having finished in ninth place. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen looks back at the twelfth race weekend of the year.

"Of course it is good to be back on the podium - this was the fifth time already this year for Robert, following a strong qualifying session and race. This gives us confidence going into the remaining races," says Theissen.

In contrast, Nick's race was disappointing. Although he started from eighth on the grid, the he finished the European Grand Prix just outside the points. It was clear to Theissen right from the start that the German faced a tough challenge at the "Valencia Street Circuit". "Nick was not able to make up any places at the start, as we had hoped. He got stuck in the melee at the first turn, and even dropped back a place. This meant his race was pretty much over after the first lap," reflects Theissen.