BMW confirm Heidfeld, Kubica

BMW Sauber confirmed this morning that Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica would retain their race seats next year, quashing speculation that Fernando Alonso could race for the team next year. The team made no announcement on its third and reserve driver.

BMW have made significant progress this year and are likely to end the season in third place, ahead of current champions Renault.

The team underlined the importance of continuity in comfirming its current driver line-up: “Both Nick and Robert have delivered very strong performances in the course of this season. They have played a decisive role in enabling the BMW Sauber F1 Team to firmly establish itself as the third best team in Formula One. Forty two world championship points plus two podium places says everything about Nick's achievements. Thanks to his extensive experience he is making a substantial contribution to the progress of the team.

“For Robert, 2007 is his first full season in the top echelon of motor sport. In his brief Formula One career so far he has established himself as equal to Nick. He is extremely fast and, for somebody so young, already has a very sound understanding of technical matters. Robert is a rough diamond we want to polish up into a winning driver. With this strong driver team we are in an excellent position.”