Heidfeld blames wrong tyre choice

Nick Heidfeld was left ruing his tyre choice in qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix after putting on his worst performance of the season

The BMW Sauber driver failed to make it past Q3 after deciding to use the harder tyres for his second run in the first qualifying segment.

The decision proved wrong and Heidfeld missed the cut, finishing down in 16th position.

"Now we know it was the wrong decision to stay on the harder tyre compound for the second outing in Q1," said the German. "After my initial run on the first set of those tyres, I knew I could improve on the Prime tyres, so we took the risk and put on another set.

"I actually did improve, I was about half a second quicker, but still it wasn't enough and I missed Q2 by one tenth of a second. Robert just made it.

"Of course from so far back on the grid it will be very difficult to do something in the race. But we have seen everything happen in Formula One and I shall never give up."

Teammate Robert Kubica had a better day but it was still a disappointing session for BMW Sauber, with the Pole qualifying in sixth place.

Kubica admitted the overnight rain had not helped his team.

"Yesterday we were struggling with low grip, so the rain last night and this morning definitely didn't help us as it washed away the rubber," he said.

"The balance of the car was fine, but it was just lacking grip. I tried everything I could, and this was the best I could manage. Sixth is not bad under the circumstances."