BMW: Tuning up the roster
The 39-year-old Spaniard, Pedro de la Rosa, was with BMW Sauber for only one season. During his time there he had 14 races and zero wins, poles or podiums. Now Sauber announces he is being replaced by Nick Heidfeld for the Singapore Grand Prix and the rest of the season.
When asked what he thought of being released in the tail end of his first season with the team, de la Rosa said, “I’m surprised by the team’s decision, but I respect it and would like to wish everyone good luck for the remainder of the season. I still intend to be in Formula One for 2011.”
Some of the surprise may come from the fact that his replacement, Heidfeld, has never won a race in his ten years as a professional. Of all the drivers racing today the 33-year-old holds the record for the highest number of world championship points without a Grand Prix win, he has the most second place finishes without a win, he’s had the most podium finishes without a win, and he’s had the most GP starts without being in first place. Perhaps Sauber feels the 33-year-old’s time has come.
Taking on a new team at the tail end of a season is no easy task. He will be racing the final five Grands Prix of the year and his job is to score his team some points. Heidfeld says, “I’m looking forward like crazy to having the opportunity to go racing again in a good car in Formula One from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards. After the last few months I’m even more motivated than ever. For me it is like coming home, as I raced for seven years in total for the team. Without a doubt I feel at home straight away and this should help me to familiarise myself as soon as possible with the car. I want to thank Peter Sauber for the faith he has put in me.”
Next weekend Heidfeld will have his first opportunity to show the world what he’s got. He is racing in the Singapore Grand Prix on 24 September.
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