Formula 1
European GP: Williams race notes
Following Nick's second place in Monaco, and securing his maiden pole position yesterday, Nick Heidfeld came today second at the Grand Prix of Europe, giving the BMW WilliamsF1 Team another positive result in the space of a week. Unfortunately, ...
Published: May 29, 2005, 4:13 PM
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Following Nick's second place in Monaco, and securing his maiden pole position yesterday, Nick Heidfeld came today second at the Grand Prix of Europe, giving the BMW WilliamsF1 Team another positive result in the space of a week. Unfortunately, team- mate Mark Webber retired from the race just after the start, after an accident on turn one.
Nick Heidfeld:
"It's obviously great to be second today after yesterday's pole position of. I didn't think I was able to win, but a podium finish was within reach. We knew that Kimi would have a better start and in fact he went in front from the start, but I still had a go at him into the first corner but ultimately he held on to his position."
"I pushed as hard as I could in the first stint to open a good gap from the cars behind me and our strategy of three stops paid off, because towards the end I was in third position. The car was good and I didn't make any big mistakes."
"Barrichello was getting closer and closer in the closing laps but I pushed hard and could keep him behind me even despite having lost my rear tyres a bit. Then Kimi had the accident and it was just luck to claim second place. Thanks to WilliamsF1, BMW and Michelin - it's clear that we are recovering our form strongly."
Mark Webber:
"Today just disappointing. Nick and I didn't get away from the grid that well that put us both in difficult positions into the first corner. I had Trulli and Alonso trying to get down the inside so I braked a bit later attempting to defend my position, especially from Jarno, because it was very important to keep him behind for our strategy. I just, just quite couldn't stop and hit the side of Juan Pablo. It was a shame because we had strong potential today."
Sam Michael (Technical Director WilliamsF1):
"It was a fantastic drive from Nick which made our three-stop strategy work. We were on hard tyres to complement our plan and it proved to be the right decision. It was the harder compound from Michelin which made it onto the podium today. It is another good result for us and it is just what the team needed."
"Mark had an accident in the first corner which was a shame as he was on a different race strategy with higher fuel load compared to Nick and the other cars around him."
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
"It has been a turbulent race with many incidents in which we have been involved. Mark's race was over in the first corner. Nick delivered another error free race. He was on three stop strategy which meant he was taking a bit of a risk. This enabled him a drive without traffic and he made full use of this opportunity."
"Pole position and a second place in the race made a great weekend for him and for the whole team. Though, one must feel sorry for Kimi. He was dominating the race and to retire in the last lap obviously is very bitter."
Nick Heidfeld: 2nd
Best time: 1:31.124 (lap 9, 4th overall)
Chassis: FW27 04
BMW P84/5 engine 1st GP
Mark Webber: DNF (accident on first lap)
Chassis: FW27 05
BMW P84/5 engine 1st GP
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