BMW never considered other drivers

Although Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica's contracts for next season were only confirmed this week, Theissen said it was clear from early on this season that the duo would be retained.

And that decision meant there was no urgency for them to finalise the contract talks.

"It was not a big deal and we just didn't push on it," said Theissen about why the team waited until so late in the season to confirm the drivers. "We had other issues to deal with.

"It was quite clear, both for us and the drivers, that we wouldn't really be looking elsewhere."

Theissen completely ruled out recent speculation linking the team with a bid for world champion Fernando Alonso, whose future at McLaren is in doubt.

"I didn't have discussions with Alonso or his people," he said. "It didn't really play a role in our decision for next year."

And although Heidfeld's contract was signed after the Hungarian Grand Prix, Theissen revealed that Kubica's firm commitment for next year was handed to him immediately after his big accident in Canada.

"Yes, it's true," said Theissen when asked about the Canada story. "We renewed him as a driver for next year immediately after his crash, even before he got back into the car, in order to give him the assurance that we count on him for. It was a clear and strong commitment from our side at that point in the season."