BMW rue missed opportunity

Nick Heidfeld, who had finished on the podium in Hungary three weeks ago, started the race from fifth position, but the German was caught out by the first corner mayhem.

Heidfeld lost his front wing and was forced to pit for repairs, losing all his chances of a strong finish.

Teammate Robert Kubica also lost time at the start, and then struggled with a tyre gamble that didn't pay off.

Heidfeld finished in 14th place, with Kubica in 12th.

"With our grid positions, we expected both cars to be in the points, therefore, this result is very disappointing," said Theissen. "In the first corner after Giancarlo Fisichella spun Nick lost his front wing, and on his way back to the garage his car's floor was damaged - with all of this his race was over.

"For Robert the tyres were the decisive factor. We took a risk but it didn't pay off, and this was especially so with his third set as they only stopped graining at the end of the race. This cost him a place in the points."