British GP: BMW Sauber Saturday qualifying notes

Nick Heidfeld and Jacques Villeneuve qualified ninth and tenth respectively for the British Grand Prix. Since the Australian GP this is the second time the new BMW Sauber F1 Team has qualified both cars in the top ten. Unfortunately on that occasion an engine change forced Jacques to start from the back of the grid.

Nick Heidfeld:

"I am happy. It’s really good we have got both cars in the top ten, especially if you see who is behind us. This confirms for me the impression I had after our test in Barcelona that the latest changes to the car have meant a step forward for the team."

Jacques Villeneuve:

"I was hoping for better. After the second qualifying session the car was quick, but in the end it just didn’t work out for some reason. The car was difficult to drive compared to earlier in the day, and for some reason we came into the pits one lap too early. It just wasn’t a good lap. In the race the podium will be tough but scoring points is the aim."

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):

"Compliments to the entire team. This will be the first time both our cars will start in the top ten on the grid. At the test in Barcelona last week we were able to see the fruit of our labours in terms of development of the car reflected in good lap times. On top of that we have proved that the faster circuits in particular are good for us. It will now be very exciting, as the question is when will the cars in front of us refuel."

Willy Rampf (Technical Director Chassis):

"We have both our cars in the top ten and it was not even a close call as we were fourth and sixth in the second part of qualifying. We have performed well in all the practice sessions here and I believe today’s good result reflects this. Of course we were hoping to make it a little bit highter up in the top ten, but a lot depends on the fuel load of everyone else so we will only know that tomorrow.The team and the drivers have done a very good job."

Nick Heidfeld
Chassis: BMW Sauber F1.06-06
Engine: BMW P86
Qualifying: 9th, 1:21.329

Jacques Villeneuve
Chassis: BMW Sauber F1.06-08
Engine: BMW P86
Qualifying: 10th, 1:21.599

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