Theissen: I'd ditch a driver again

 Theissen delivered a glaring example of his determination to succeed in F1 this summer when the team parted ways with Villeneuve after the German Grand Prix, when the world champion refused to be rested for some races so they could try out Robert Kubica.

Although the Villeneuve departure was criticised by some, Theissen is adamant that not only did he do the right thing with the Canadian, but also that he would repeat his actions again if he thought it would be best for the team.

"Yes, for sure," said Theissen in an interview with team sponsor Credit Suisse's E-magazine. "Niki Lauda hit the nail on the head, didn't he, when he said: 'The team boss is not there to pick up the Nobel Peace Prize, he's there to win races'."

Despite his warning, Theissen believes that his current line-up of Nick Heidfeld, Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel was perfect to help move BMW-Sauber up the grid.

"With Nick Heidfeld as the experienced man in the team, together with the two aspiring talents Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel, we've got a really strong trio going forward," he said.

"When Kubica got into the cockpit for the first time it gave the whole team a jolt - Nick Heidfeld included. Nick drove at a very high level, especially in the latter Grand Prix races."

And Theissen has revealed that the relationship between Heidfeld and Kubica may not have been as good as has been the impression in public. There were thought to have been issues after the Japanese Grand Prix, when Heidfeld held up a clearly quicker Kubica despite radio orders telling him of the situation.

"Things are not always harmonious," said Theissen. "Formula One is an incredibly tough competition between the 11 best teams and 22 best drivers in the world. Our two drivers aren't immune from that either. This competitiveness is healthy, because it leads to strong performances.

"In the season just finished, we experienced one or two situations that we want to avoid in future. I have confidence in the effect of the learning curve."