BMW Sauber retain Heidfeld and Kubica

Heidfeld's impressive early season form had left him almost certain to get his contract at the Hinwil-based outfit extended, but talks were protracted to finalise a deal.

A contract has now been signed, though, ensuring that BMW Sauber retain their current driver line up for the 2008 campaign.

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen said: "Both Nick and Robert have delivered very strong performances in the course of this season.

"They have played a decisive role in enabling the BMW Sauber F1 Team to firmly establish itself as the third best team in Formula One.

"Forty two world championship points plus two podium places says everything about Nick's achievements. Thanks to his extensive experience he is making a substantial contribution to the progress of the team.

"For Robert, 2007 is his first full season in the top echelon of motor sport. In his brief Formula One career so far he has established himself as equal to Nick. He is extremely fast and, for somebody so young, already has a very sound understanding of technical matters.

"Robert is a rough diamond we want to polish up into a winning driver. With this strong driver team we are in an excellent position."

Despite the delays in securing a deal, Heidfeld claims he never had any doubts that he would get a fresh deal with BMW.

"For me it was always clear that I wanted to continue driving for the BMW Sauber F1 Team, and I never doubted that would be the case. It is tremendous being able to help build up a new team and doing my bit for it.

"When I look at the progress we have made over the last two years, it's an incredible incentive for me. Personally I have high sporting ambitions and I am certain I can achieve them with the BMW Sauber F1 Team."

Teammate Kubica, who already had a firm deal for 2008, added: "I have now been in Formula One for just over one year and have gathered a great deal of experience. Even so, I am learning new things every day and making steady progress.

"We now have to concentrate on achieving our ambitious common goals, and I'm confident that the team will be able to give me all the necessary tools that I need to reward them for their renewed trust."

BMW Sauber will announce their future test driver at a later date, with current tester and reserve Sebastian Vettel having signed to race for Scuderia Toro Rosso.