The
BMW Sauber
F1 team has confirmed that it will retain the services of both
Nick Heidfeld and
Robert Kubica for the 2008
Formula 1 World Championship campaign.
The pair have helped BMW establish itself as the ‘best of the rest' behind
McLaren and
Ferrari this season, with the team currently in a comfortable third place in the constructors championship – 38 points clear of defending champions
Renault.
Despite suggestions that the team could provide a new home for
Fernando Alonso if he elected to leave McLaren before the end of his contract, BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen admitted that continuing with the same drivers left the team in excellent shape.
“Both Nick and Robert have delivered very strong performances in the course of this season,” he said. “They have played a decisive role in enabling the BMW Sauber F1 Team to firmly establish itself as the third best team in
Formula One. Forty two world championship points plus two podium places says everything about Nick's achievements. Thanks to his extensive experience he is making a substantial contribution to the progress of the team.
“For Robert, 2007 is his first full season in the top echelon of motor sport. In his brief Formula One career so far he has established himself as equal to Nick. He is extremely fast and, for somebody so young, already has a very sound understanding of technical matters. Robert is a rough diamond we want to polish up into a winning driver. With this strong driver team we are in an excellent position.”
Heidfeld in particular has impressed during the course of the season, with the German revelling in his role as team leader. Currently fifth in the standings, the 30-year-old admitted there was never any doubt that he would be looking to remain with the team.
