Kubica Expected To Be Back, Heidfeld Continues Hectic Schedule

Topics:  Robert Kubica, Nick Heidfeld

Anthony Fontanelle
June 21, 2007

BMW Sauber is sitting comfortably in third place in this year’s constructor’s championship standings. After seven races this season, the team has 39 points behind Ferrari’s 71 and McLaren’s 106. The closest team behind BMW Sauber currently is Renault with 25 championship points.

The two races in North American soil is expected to be where BMW Sauber will improve its performance and add more points to their credit. Unfortunately, the first North American race, the Canadian Grand Prix, did not go well for BMW diver Robert Kubica who suffered a minor concussion and a sprained ankle after a high-speed crash.

After the accident, Kubica recovered immediately but was not cleared by the doctors and the FIA to participate at the United States Grand Prix. Instead, BMW fielded their second F1.07 driven by rookie Sebastian Vettel. The rookie managed to take the eighth place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway which got a single point for him and the team.

Kubica, the first Polish to drive in a Formula One Grand Prix, is expected to be back for the French Grand Prix but will not participate in the testing session at Silverstone. The Formula One driver will undergo a checkup before he will be permitted to drive for team BMW Sauber. “Robert will have another check-up in Magny-Cours,” says BMW team boss Mario Theissen. “Without wanting to pre-empt the doctors, I'm expecting it to be positive. As soon as we get the all clear from the doctors, Robert will be straight back in the driving seat.”

Another BMW starter, Nick Heidfeld performed well at the Canadian Grand Prix but failed to finish at the United States Grand Prix. The German driver took the first podium finish for any team aside from McLaren and Ferrari. He scored eight points for him and BMW Sauber after taking the second place at the Canadian Grand Prix behind Lewis Hamilton.

After tying his best career finish at the Canadian Grand Prix, the German Formula One driver did not have to rest as he participated at the practice sessions for the United States Grand Prix. At the race though, he was forced to retire after his car’s hydraulics malfunctioned. This means that BMW only took a single point in the race where their largest market lies. “Prior to my retirement, I was first unable to steer and then I couldn't change gears anymore. The transmission was stuck in fourth gear and that was it for me,” says Heidfeld

After the United States Grand Prix, Heidfeld still did not have time to take a breather as he participated in the testing of their Formula One car at the Silverstone circuit. The team’s website described Heidfeld’s itinerary this way: “Within ten days Nick competed in six practice sessions, two qualifyings and two races in North America. In Canada, the BMW Sauber F1 Team driver was able to celebrate a second place and eight World Championship points.”

At the testing session, the German Formula One driver covered 42 laps for a total of 205 kilometers. During the testing of the car, Heidfeld focused on the choice of tires. Aerodynamic and mechanical components were also tested by the German driver. Unfortunately, he stopped the testing one hour ahead of schedule due to slight pains. Test driver Timo Glock is scheduled to carry on with the testing of the BMW F1.07 until the 21st of June. Source:  Amazines.com