Q & A with Mario Theissen

Mario Theissen: We had a very strong start. We had very, very good reliability throughout the year - and the other two teams had some failures, especially in the early stages of the season. So that helped us lead the championship at an early point. In fact I have to say that the true speed of the car has not changed very much in comparison to the other teams, so as they got their act together with reliability, they were able to pull away.

But the season has been a big step forward again, it is the third time in a row now. We have got our first double victory (a 1-2 finish), we have been on the podium 11 times, we had good race strategy, good pit work, no technical problems throughout the season in the race and we are the only team to say it. It has been very successful, although unfortunately the final race was disappointing.

Q. Was there a feeling in the team that you tailed off towards the end of the season?

MT: We definitely had the stronger results in the first part of the season, and this is something we need to look into. I am sure we will be able to analyse it and to get over it.

Q. What are your initial thoughts on it?

MT: Well, it has been different situations. The problems that Nick (Heidfeld) had during the season are fixed more or less, and now we have to look into Robert's qualifying situation - especially in the last two races. I am sure we will find the reasons.

Q. Do you think there is a pattern there that Nick had problems which were solved, but then Robert started suffering? Or is it purely coincidental?

MT: I don't know yet. It came as a surprise that Robert was not able to get into Q3 in the final two reasons.

Q. Are there any reasons why that happened, because it was such a dramatic drop-off?

MT: He wasn't happy with the car, with the grip, and now we have to find out why that was.

Q. How would you sum up the season of your two drivers?

MT: Robert was exceptionally strong throughout the year, with a finale that we don't understand yet. Other than that, it was really an excellent season for Robert. Nick was almost the opposite, he had a very difficult year but then came back towards the end. I am happy we took him on for next year again - I am sure he will be there.

Q. Your team's relationship with Robert has been a bit up and down this season, with some good points and bad points...

MT: In public yes, but between us it hasn't changed a lot.

Q. Do you sense he is a little frustrated?

MT: Well, three races ago it was clear to everybody that he would be finishing in P3 in the drivers' championship, but now with equal points he has been pushed back to P4.

Q. What was your view on the final race of the season in Brazil, and how good it was for F1 to have its championship decided at almost the final corner?

MT: Yes, I think it is fantastic. It was equally thrilling like last year, and even after Felipe crossed the line no one knew who was champion. So it was a very special final race, and a very tight championship. Both drivers deserved the championship but only one could win, so congratulations to Lewis.

Q. What is your optimism like for next year?

MT: I think we can be confident. The team is established now, reliability shows that we have a strong basis, the development work on the aero package as well as on KERS is on schedule, so I think we should be strong next year.

Q. Politically how would you sum up the season?

MT: I think the foundation of FOTA has been a very significant step that could lead us to a much better cooperation between the teams, the commercial rights holder and the regulator in the future. I am looking forward to this cooperation because I think it will eventually lead to less politics in F1.