Kubica surprises

Scoring points in the Hungarian Grand Prix seems to be within the reach of the BMW Sauber F1 Team as its drivers, Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld, will start from ninth and tenth respectively. Both drivers benefitted from others being penalised.

Robert Kubica "I know our potential and I think this is it. I was really surprised to be quicker than Nick, which is not easy. In qualifying three I saw someone waving a yellow flag. It was not a marshal and from a distance I thought it was so I backed off, which meant my first sector was not very good. However, the gap to the car in front was too big and they may have a different strategy to us. It will be a tough race for me, but I am quite positive. Tomorrow I shall be happy if I can finish the race with good pace and good driving. I can be very critical of myself and if I feel it is good then it will be good."

Nick Heidfeld "I am a little disappointed as Robert has shown it was possible to go a bit faster, although we are only in the top ten because Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher were penalized. When I went out for the first time Felipe Massa hampered my lap, as he was on his outlap when I came across him. In the second session the balance of the car was good on the first flying lap, then later the track’s grip increased and I could not make use of it. The balance of the car just did not suit the changed conditions. Now we will see what we can do in the race, but I know we have chosen the right tyres."

Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director This qualifying was pleasing for us. We made up some ground and, considering our race strategy, we are very happy with ninth and tenth on the grid. Nick’s fastest lap in the second session wasn't perfect. Robert had a very good debut. His approach was the right mixture of aggression and understanding of what he had to do.

Willy Rampf, Technical Director "Our starting positions are quite good and we feel well prepared for tomorrow. Robert has mastered his first F1 qualifying without problems. Nick suffered a bit more from the conditions when the grip level of the circuit improved, and it had a bigger impact on the car’s handling than expected. In fact neither of our drivers did a perfect lap."