Everybody can see we're heading in the right direction - Theissen

In the first half of the season, the BMW Sauber F1 Team secured a total of seven podiums, with Nick finishing runner-up in this weekend's British Grand Prix. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen comes to a fully positive conclusion.

Theissen: "The British Grand Prix wasn't a race for the faint-hearted. In every phase of the race, the weather represented a key factor. Temporarily, the lap times between the different drivers differed by up to ten seconds - depending on the selected tyre compound and the condition of the respective tyres.

"In the case of Nick, our strategy worked perfectly. He drove a great race and once again, he delivered spectacular overtaking manoeuvres. And I'm particularly delighted with this success as he had his difficulties, recently. From his fifth position on the grid, he displayed the perfect mix of aplomb and fighting spirit and was rewarded with the fine second place, his third runner-up finish in the season to date.

"Robert also drove a great race, from his tenth grid position, and even temporarily held third place. During the final rain shower, however, he went off and had to retire. Nonetheless, I have to pay him a compliment too. In these difficult conditions, the entire team has done a great job.

"The race at the "Home of British Motor Racing" represented the conclusion of the first half of the 2008 season. A season that is the most successful one in the still short history of the BMW Sauber F1 Team.

"In the very first round of the season, the Australian Grand Prix, Nick finished second, thus equalling the best result our drivers had secured to date. Just a week later, in Malaysia, Nick also clocked the first fastest race lap for our team. And in Bahrain, Robert added our maiden pole position. Three races, three performances to be delighted with: the first package of overseas races truly proved to be a perfect season kick-off.

"Then, in Montreal, we experienced our highlight for the time being: the one-two in the Canadian Grand Prix also represented an emotional highlight for our squad. Several times we had come close to claiming victory and we knew that we had got what it takes to win races. And in Canada, we did it. We will never forget this Sunday in June 2008.

"It goes without saying that all these successes have boosted the self confidence of our team members in Munich and Hinwil. Fastest race lap, pole position, race win. In every area of the team record we still had to cope with a zero, recently, this figure has been replaced by a one, now. Everybody can see that we are heading into the right direction.

"In the first nine rounds of the season we have scored a total of 82 points, secured seven podium finishes and scored in every single round. We hold second position in the Constructors' Championship, 14 points behind Ferrari and 10 points ahead of McLaren. And in the drivers' Championship, Robert lies just two points behind three joint leaders - it would have been difficult to come up with a better script for the German Grand Prix held in two weeks time at Hockenheim.

"Our goal: we wanted to turn the duel on the front end of the field into a battle of three and win our first race. We succeeded in doing so. From now on, our goal always will be the forthcoming race. And when the season is over, we will see what we have been able to achieve. Regarding the lap times, the two teams still are some fractions faster than us. But when it comes to the reliability of our cars, the work of our pit crews and the race strategies, we also represent a top team.

"I'm particularly delighted with the fact that we not only succeeded in realising all our goals early but also progressed consistently. This is confirming that both our strategy and direction are fine.

"We now will give our very best to make use our chances in 2008 without neglecting the development of the BMW Sauber F1.09. Realising this task represents a major challenge, particularly in consideration of the radical rule changes for the 2009 season. Next year, we will have to cope with completely new aerodynamics, the comeback of the slicks and the introduction of KERS. A challenge we will meet with the same motivation and energy that have helped us making it to where we are today. The coming months will be exciting - not only on the track alone but also in Munich and Hinwil. We are looking forward to it."