BMW finds unexpected grip as Alguersuari impresses in debut

By BMW Sauber F1
July 24 2009

The BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers have completed the first free practice session for the tenth race of the year, the Hungarian Grand Prix. Robert Kubica ended the 90-minute session as eleventh fastest, one place ahead of team-mate Nick Heidfeld.

The first free practice took place in a dry and sunny Budapest, with temperatures reaching up to 26 degrees Celsius. Both BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers immediately headed out of the pits on their installation laps. After 40 minutes, Robert was the team's first driver to start aiming for fast lap times. Nick followed him five minutes later.

Robert completed four stints on the 4.381km circuit, notching up 24 laps with a fastest time of 1:23.146 minutes. This put him eleventh overall. The Pole appeared happy with the latest improvements made to his BMW Sauber F1.09: "I have never had that much grip before with this car," said the 24-year-old.

At the end of the first free practice session, during which he completed 23 laps, Nick found himself one place behind his team-mate. The German's fastest lap was clocked at 1:23.154 minutes.

Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren) was the fastest driver in the first session in Budapest, with a time of 1:22.278 minutes. The second free practice at the Hungaroring commences at 14:00 CET.