OFFICIAL: BMW Sauber confirm Kubica and Heidfeld

[Giuseppe F1]

Guess Alonso is staying at Renault then:

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http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71185

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BMW confirm Heidfeld, Kubica for 2009

By Pablo Elizalde
Monday, October 6th 2008
09:27 GMT

The BMW Sauber team will retain both Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld in the 2009 season, the German squad announced on Monday.

The team said Christian Klien will stay on as a test driver.

"We see Nick and Robert as a strong driver pairing and Christian as an experienced test driver," said BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen.

"We are in no doubt that we will again achieve our ambitious aims with them in the team's fourth year."

The announcement ends weeks of speculation regarding the future of Heidfeld, who was yet to be confirmed at the team.

The confirmation also closes to door to Fernando Alonso, who had been linked with a move to BMW. Now the Spaniard has Renault and Honda as his only options for 2009.

[Roamy]

I would imagine that Heidfield's extension has a clause "subject to Alonso"

[FIA]

I guess it's mainly because Alonso probably had a clause saying that if he won a race with Renault he would stay on another year.

[truefan72]

hmm, abit surprising by BMW. I think that heidfeld may be on a very short leash over at BMW and may not last through 2009.

If they were not going to get Alonso, they should have waited till the winter to make up their minds about Heidfeld. See how the last 3 races play out and then weigh their ioptions after that.

I've never understood the rush to resign drivers during the season. Especially when there is absolutely no fear of Heidfeld being scooped up by another team to BMW's detriment.

I'ts been a very "normal season" so far.

[F1boat]

I think that Fred should stay at Renault, but I hoped that Nico will advance to BMW

[ioan]

What people are missing is that BMW are planning to win races and battle for the title next season.
So if they can't get Alonso than they should hold on to Heidfeld.
Or do you think there is better drivers than Heidfeld that aren't contracted to a team out there? I don't think so.

The BMW move is a very logical one.

[F1boat]

ioan, Nick is solid, but in my opinion Nico is a better and faster driver.

[Nikki Katz]

While this is the result I was expecting, I wasn't expecting them to announce this for a good few months yet. I'm sure Alonso would rather stay at Renault than risk Honda, so there's probably going to be very little other movment. Probably all new at Toro Rosso and possibly a new driver to be Alonso's number 2, but that's it.

[ioan]

ioan, Nick is solid, but in my opinion Nico is a better and faster driver.

Based on what? One good race that he should have won?

[Bagwan]

Much as I like Alonso's driving , I don't think there was ever any real chance of him ending up at BMW .
He wouldn't fit , in the controlled atmosphere , just like he didn't fit with McLaren .

He fits where he is , and Nick fits in the BMW seat like a glove .
The character of Robert came out a while ago , and the tables have been more even of late , with the two of them relatively closer .
Kubica can learn a lot from Nick , who has worked it out quietly behind the scenes , and found the speed again .

It's that "no i in team" thing .

I don't think the two drivers had much respect for each other at the start of the season , but they do now .
And , I think that's why they were re-signed .

I think perhaps Dr. Mario might even have learned that drivers need to know what they are doing next year a little earlier , so they can keep focussed for the last few races . Although , that does seem a little far fetched .

Anyway , I think it was a good move .