Heidfeld left with mixed emotions

The BMW Sauber driver had started from fifth, but lost several places at the first corner and was stuck in traffic for a big part of the race.

Heidfeld still managed to recover to sixth position, but he felt there was a lot more potential, especially after setting his first fastest lap in Formula One.

"I have mixed emotions about today's race," admitted Heidfeld. "Of course I'm happy to have clocked up my first fastest race lap in F1, and 11 points are also the best ever result for our team. The pace of the car was really, really good - about the same level as the McLaren.

"That's all very positive and makes it even more disappointing that I only finished sixth. My start was very good and then I tried to overtake right on the outside in the first corner.

"Robert was on the inside, and Jarno Trulli was between us - I just ran out of room. It was a try, but it didn't work out.

"I picked up some dirt and lost two more positions on the first lap. At least I got them back when I overtook David Coulthard and Fernando Alonso on lap four. Again our pit crew did a very good job."

Teammate Robert Kubica finished in second place to consolidate BMW in second in the standings.