Hungarian GP: BMW Sauber Friday practice notes

The BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, for whom this will be his first Formula 1 race, finished 9th and 10th in the second free practice session at the Hungaroring. For the first session the track was not completely dry ...

The BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, for whom this will be his first Formula 1 race, finished 9th and 10th in the second free practice session at the Hungaroring. For the first session the track was not completely dry so neither driver left the garage. For the first time the team did not run a third car on Friday.

Nick Heidfeld:

"The grip level was very low, which was due to the temperatures and the rain as the track is a lot cooler than everybody expected. This was the problem today in terms of finding the right set-up and balance of the car. On my second run this afternoon I drove less than we originally planned because we did a set-up change after the first run, which cost us some time."

Robert Kubica:

"This wasnt the sort of Friday I have been used to! It was a new track as I raced here once five years ago and I dont remember a lot. I only did five flying laps so it was not easy, but I am looking forward to free practice tomorrow when we can do some more running. The track is really bumpy with very little grip, so it was not easy to push straightaway. The balance of the car was okay, there are a few things to improve but we know what to do."

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):

"During the first session the track was drying, therefore, we decided to postpone the car set-up work until the afternoon session. The plan worked on both cars without any problems. Nick and Robert both ran some consecutive laps and were able to gain the necessary information about the tyres. As expected, Roberts first day of the race weekend was good with no mistakes."

Willy Rampf (Technical Director):

"Because of the unexpected low track temperatures practice was difficult today. We concentrated on getting a baseline and only ran in the afternoon when the track conditions were better. The main set-up work will be done tomorrow, as we expect it will be warmer then and there will be more rubber on the track."

Nick Heidfeld
Chassis: BMW Sauber F1.06-02
Engine: BMW P86
1st Practice: did not drive
2nd Practice: 9th, 1:23.934

Robert Kubica
Chassis: BMW Sauber F1.06-05
Engine: BMW P86
1st Practice: did not drive
2nd Practice: 10th, 1.24.106