Kubica, Heidfeld surprised that BMW quit

The German manufacturer announced last month that it will quit the sport at the end of the current, leaving both drivers and the team's staff at its Munich and Hinwil bases uncertain of their futures.

"It definitely came unexpectedly," said Heidfeld. "After Honda pulled out, and with the worldwide financial situation, I was always careful on trying to see how things were going on in the background.

"That already says that you were aware of some risk, but the feeling and feedback I always had was that we were safe and secure for the future. That is why it was a surprise."

Kubica found out about BMW's decision when he read the news on the Internet, before receiving word from his employers, and says he was also shocked by the sudden withdrawal.

"It was quite a shock decision, an unexpected one," Kubica said. "At the Hungarian Grand Prix we knew nothing. You could feel maybe something because I had a few talks at the Hungaroring about the future and I saw some strange situations. But I was never expecting such a big decision and I think everybody is still a bit worried about their futures.

"Of course some people [will be worried] a bit more and some a bit less because it depends on their position and possibilities for next year. The team at the Hinwil base is not in a good situation, so I hope they will find a good way out of it and that they will continue because we have a lot of good people and they deserve a much better situation than we are in now."

Kubica also questioned the timing of BMW's announcement, with seven races still to go this season.

"I think it's a little bit strange because normally you would try to keep your team as smooth as possible without any problems during the year, and now we have this big topic which is not ideal," he said. "I can assume that motivation might be difficult to get, or some people might get even more motivation."