Hydraulic problem for Heidfeld as Vettel takes point in first GP
The BMW Sauber F1 Team scored one point in the hot race in Indianapolis. Nick Heidfeld retired on lap 56 due to an hydraulic leak, while Sebastian Vettel finished his first Grand Prix in eighth position.
Sebastian Vettel: 8th BMW Sauber F1.07-03/BMW P86/7 Fastest Lap: 1.13.862 min on lap 53 (6th fastest overall) “It was fantastic, a lot of fun but a longer race than I ever imagined it to be. I think I am quite lucky to get away with a point as the first corner was quite tight. I had an okay start, but not a very good one. When I saw the cars were close I decided to brake just a little bit later and then caught up quickly to those in front of me. To avoid an incident I decided to cut turn two and lost a lot of places. After that I was stuck in traffic which more or less destroyed our strategy. It is good to finish the first race and better still in the points. The car was working well. I could have been a bit quicker, but quite often I was stuck in traffic and it is extremely difficult to overtake here as the other guys are not sleeping and they know how to defend. In the end when I saw the chequered flag I was quite relieved. I am quite happy for me and the team who have done a fantastic job. I can only say thank you to all my mechanics and engineers who were supporting me.”
Nick Heidfeld: DNF BMW Sauber F1.07-05/BMW P86/7 Fastest Lap: 1.13.414 min on lap 20 (5th fastest overall) “I had a good start and overtook Kimi. On the first stint my speed was okay, and it was only in the beginning that Felipe Massa could pull away a little bit. Later when I was braking for turn one the rear wheels just locked and I spun. When I wanted to get going again, I couldn’t get a gear, which was why Heikki Kovalainen could pass me. The spin caused a flat spotted tyre and I made my first pit stop a little early. The next laps were good, and I overtook Kimi Raikkonen and Heikki. However, when Kimi was at top speed I could not keep him behind. After the second pit stop I got stuck behind Mark Webber, but then the hydraulic problems occurred anyway.”
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director “Without doubt this was not the result we had hoped for. Nick was doing well in the race but retired due to a hydraulic leak. I am happy for Sebastian and the team that he has scored a point for us in his maiden Grand Prix. In the first corner he had to learn a lesson the hard way and lost three places. But later he drove a solid race without any mistakes. Robert will have to pass another medical check prior to the next race in Magny-Cours. As soon he has the green light he will be sitting in the race car again.”
Willy Rampf, Technical Director “We were far away from showing our true potential here. Nick gained one position at the start and had a good pace afterwards. He never lost contact to the three leading cars, which was very positive. Because of a flat spotted tyre we called Nick in early, but he went back out in fourth. Unfortunately he retired later because of the hydraulic leak. Sebastian gave away his chances for a good result in the first corner after the start. This dropped him into a group of slower cars and did not allow him to demonstrate the potential of the car. There he lost the one important second he needed to finish one place higher. We also called him in a little bit early because we tried to free him from the traffic. At least in the end we scored one point.”
