Heidfeld says BMW had more potential

Heidfeld blamed the red flag in Q3 triggered by Rubens Barrichello's crash for managing only eighth on the grid, one place ahead of team-mate Robert Kubica, after the team introduced a major upgrade package in Friday practice.

The pair both ended the session one place further back, but were promoted once Barrichello's gearbox change penalty was taken into account.

"Although it might appear nice to be in the top 10 again, as we have had worse results this season, I'm really disappointed," said Heidfeld.

"The car had improved and it all looked good in Q1 and in Q2. But in Q3 I could not use the advantage of the softer tyres because of the red flag. I had just started my fast lap and from the early corners it was clear to me it would be a huge improvement, but then Rubens Barrichello crashed and the session was red flagged.

"In hindsight it would have been better to use the softer tyres earlier, but of course you don't want to sacrifice the advantage of the track being at its best in the last minutes of the session. That's bad luck."

Willy Rampf, the team's engineering boss, echoed Heidfeld's sentiments. He said that the upgrade package had improved the performance of the car significantly and that both drivers could have been higher up the grid but for the red flag.

"Our comprehensive development package made us move a step forward," said Rampf. "For the second time this year both our cars made it into the final qualifying session. We are not satisfied with our qualifying positions.

"Both drivers had to cancel their crucial final run in Q3 on the softer tyre compound due to Rubens Barrichello's accident. Therefore both of them qualified in the final session only on the harder compound."