It was a terrific grand prix don’t you think? Brawn GP 1-2 in their first race was worth the late night TV. Toyota clawing their way back to the front with Jarno Trulli after a pit lane start only to be demoted once again. Sebastien Vettel is a good fit in the Red Bull isn’t he? There were a lot of great and not so great stories that came from that race including BMW Sauber. Nick Heidfeld punted off the track in the first lap and then driving a damaged car for the entire race knowing he would be bringing up the rear isn’t so good. Robert Kubica challenging for the lead only to crash out after controversial contact with Vettel very near the end of the race certainly isn’t the greatest event either.

“I had a chance to win this race,”
“Button and Vettel were on soft tyres and struggling, while I was on the harder compound and was able to drive much quicker. I was already in front, but he didn’t want to let me by. I think Sebastian was a bit too optimistic. Had this been the last corner OK, but there were still three laps to go and he really had no realistic chance to defend his position. I was so much quicker. My car was very good.”

Despite these disappointments I came away from the grand prix knowing McLaren couldn’t challenge the speed of Brawn Gp, Ferrari couldn’t either. Where was Renault in the picture? They certainly couldn’t match the pace either, but BMW Sauber with Robert Kubica could and he was actually in a great position to have a go at the race lead and a win. He had even set the fastest lap of the race. Sure, Vettel and Button were on the super soft tires or what was left of them and were losing time badly whereas Kubica was on the medium tires and in good shape, but the F1.09 showed great pace throughout. The proof was there, the result wasn’t.

I have no doubt that if Heidfeld was able to drive an undamaged F1.09 he would have been well up in the order as well.

It’s on to Malaysia next weekend and even with the poor outcome of Australia, there is a lot to look forward to from BMW Sauber. I have no doubt Kubica and Heidfeld will be serious threats to the new front runners.