Formula 1

European GP: BMW Sauber Saturday qualifying notes

Jacques Villeneuve has qualified for the fourth row of the grid for the European Grand Prix. However, Nick Heidfeld was not able to get into the top ten qualifying session at the NÃ¼rburgring so could only set the 15th best time. Jacques ...

Published: May 6, 2006, 4:07 PM

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Jacques Villeneuve has qualified for the fourth row of the grid for the European Grand Prix. However, Nick Heidfeld was not able to get into the top ten qualifying session at the Nürburgring so could only set the 15th best time.

Jacques Villeneuve:

"The plan today was to get in the top ten, but we were hoping to be slightly better than p8. We concentrated on our qualifying set-up for a change, which enabled us to start further up the grid. I think we can get in the points, but will have to see how our set-up lives in the race."

"Giancarlo Fisichella seemed to be really angry and I am not exactly sure what happened. I thought I was ahead of him and I was trying to get out of his way, maybe I slowed him down a little bit but I never thought he was that close to me. I will go and talk to him because it was not done on purpose."

Nick Heidfeld:

"Of course I'm unhappy with my lap time and my position. The car was not bad, although in the second half of the lap I had some understeer and the overall grip was not ideal. I don't know why I didnt manage to record a better lap time as we definitely didnt have the difficulties today we had here on Friday or in Imola."

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):

"This qualifying was again a thriller, although the time differences were not as close as in Imola two weeks ago. Jacques was quick in all three parts of qualifying and was able to secure a very good eighth position."

"Nick didnt do well in the second part of qualifying and lost time through the whole lap, therefore, missing the top ten. However, for him this means we can adjust the race strategy. Technically both cars ran problem free.

Willy Rampf (Technical Director Chassis):

"Overall we are happy with our performance today. Jacques did a good job and, considering how tight the competition currently is, it is already a success to make it into the top ten for qualifying. Starting from eighth place gives us a realistic chance to get some points."

"Nick performed well in the first part of qualifying, but in the second session unfortunately he was not able to record a perfect lap. With the times so close, this can make a difference of several rows on the grid."

Jacques Villeneuve
Qualifying: 8th
Time: 1:31.542

Nick Heidfeld
Qualifying: 15th
Time: 1:31.422

-bmwsauber-

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