Competition is healthy - Theissen

Curruntly, the careers of the BMW Sauber F1 Team's GP drivers, Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld, are on different levels. Robert is an ambitious newcomer, while Nick benefits from his vast experience. They do, however, have one thing in common: both are extrememly fast on the track.

Nick competed in his first Formula One season in 2000 and has entered 115 Grand Prix races to date. Robert celebrated his debut as a GP driver at the Hungarian Grand Prix earlier this year and was able to record his first podium result in only the third race of his career. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen considers this combination of experience and youthful energy the ideal basis for the future success of the BMW Sauber F1 Team.

"There is no place for pure harmony," Theissen admits. "Formula One is an extremely tough competition between the best 11 teams and the 22 best drivers in the world. And this situation naturally affects both of our drivers as well. Competition is healthy because it leads to good performances."

Indeed: While Nick continuously managed to consistently finish in the points during the 2006 season, Robert was able to convince in his six race appearances. In hindsight, Theissen considers the promotion of the Polish driver an important step. "Kubica's promotion into the race cockpit pushed the entire team including Nick Heidfeld. In the final Grands Prix of the season, Nick competed to a very high standard."