Heidfeld happy to confirm BMW's pace

The Swiss-based squad had been one of the strongest outfits during winter testing, showing impressive speed especially over long runs.

Today's first day of Grand Prix action confirmed BMW's pace, with Heidfeld finishing as fifth quickest after covering 27 laps with his F1.07.

"I'm happy so far with the first day of the 2007 season," said Heidfeld. "It looks like we have been able to confirm the positive impressions we had from our testing.

"In the morning the car was good in the rain, while in the afternoon session we almost completed our programme and the lap times were also okay. I lost some time in the garage due to an exhaust problem, but this wasn't too bad."

Teammate Robert Kubica was ninth quickest after missing the morning session, where he was replaced by third driver Sebastian Vettel.

With rain hitting the track in the first session, Kubica had no problems with missing the morning run.

"I didn't run this morning, which was not a problem as it was wet, but the car was quite good at the beginning of the afternoon session," the Pole said.

"It is looking quite okay even though we have a few issues to resolve. We now have to analyse everything, improve the set up and I am sure we will be okay.

"I think we have a good chance for points here and so it will be a good start to the season."