BMW Sauber F1 Team at launch of new BMW X5M and X6M models at Abu Dhabi Motors

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen and the BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica spoke at a press conference held at Abu Dhabi Motors, the exclusive importer for BMW in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, during the launch of the new BMW X5M and X6M models. The drivers also took time out to greet both fans and the media, answering some key questions ahead of the Grand Prix.

With sixth place in the championship still up for grabs, Theissen expressed his excitement at competing for the first time in Abu Dhabi and his sadness that it would also be their last, following BMW's announcement in July that it would be pulling out of Formula One at the end of the season.

"We will travel to Abu Dhabi with mixed feelings," Theissen said. "The eight points we collected in Brazil have allowed us to move up a place in the Constructors' Championship, and we will be highly motivated once again at the final race of the season. We are looking forward to racing at the new Formula One venue and can't wait to experience the atmosphere at the Yas Marina Circuit. However, there will of course also be a fair amount of sadness within the team as we set off for Abu Dhabi. After all, this will be our 70th and final race with the BMW Sauber F1 Team."

Praising the new circuit Robert Kubica said, "I have not been to the Abu Dhabi circuit so far. As we do not have a simulator I only know the track from the Internet and from a couple of presentations. The track looks very interesting. The facilities and the buildings around the circuit especially seem to be outstanding."

Kubica added, "Fortunately I consider myself a driver who does not need a lot of track time to be on a good pace straight away. I guess that a lot of cars will be out on the track on Friday in order to understand the track and to learn as much as possible. I am really looking forward to going there."

The drivers also took a spin in the new BMW X5M and X6M, which arrived recently at Abu Dhabi Motors, as their throngs of fans looked on. The vehicles are the first all-wheel-drive models to offer the supreme performance, dynamic driving features, athletic design and premium quality typical of a BMW M Car.

Both the X5M and X6M models are powered by a newly developed M TwinPower Turbo V8 high-performance engine delivering 555 hp at an engine speed range of 6,000 rpm, acceleration from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, and a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h.

The M philosophy brings racing technology to everyday driving, a fitting accompaniment for the final appearance of the BMW Sauber F1 Team among their fans before the big finale at the Yas Marina Circuit.