Points for JV and Heidfeld
For the second time in its first season, the BMW Sauber F1 Team has both its cars in the points. At Silverstone Nick Heidfeld was seventh and Jacques Villeneuve eighth. The team is 5th in the Constructors' Championship with 18 points.
Nick Heidfeld "I had a very good start when I passed two cars off the grid and a third into the first corner. Naturally it is great that both cars finished in the points on their own merits. We have obviously made a step forward. I was able to keep in front of Montoya as I stayed out longer than he did. It was only at the beginning that he was faster than me because I was fighting understeer. Then the balance of my car was improved. Unfortunately at the first pit stop first gear didn’t work and that cost me time and a position."
Jacques Villeneuve "Nico Rosberg got me because at the start into turn one Juan Pablo Montoya and myself crashed in what was a racing incident. I was on the inside and he was following another car on the outside. He came across the track, took his line but couldn’t see I was there. I locked my wheels and ran into him, but luckily there was no damage. I was stuck behind Nico for three quarters of the race, which was a shame but he wasn’t making any mistakes. It was a good fight, but when I saw him come into the pits three laps before me for the last pit stop I really took some big risks on those laps on old tyres. To get two cars in the points today, not because people didn’t finish the race, but because we raced strongly is good for Montreal. People told me married men go slower, but I think it is the opposite!"
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director "We are very happy because it was a completely trouble free weekend for us. This is the first time since Australia both drivers have scored points and the fourth consecutive race we have been in the points. Nick made an excellent start which catapulted him by three drivers. Unfortunately there was a problem during his first pit stop which cost him a place. Jacques’ pit crew did an excellent job at his second stop, which gained him a position. Now we are travelling with a lot of confidence to North America and are full of motivation for the remainder of the season."
Willy Rampf, Technical Director Chassis "This was a sunny day in every way. We had both cars in the points after a race which all the top teams finished. Nick made a very good start and kept sixth for a long time, but during his first pit stop lost time and one place to Juan Pablo Montoya due to a gear shift problem, which we need to analyse. At the start Jacques thought he had damaged his car, which caused some anxiety in the garage. He drove a strong race fighting Rosberg, and thanks to a very good team effort at his second pit stop managed to get in front of him."
