21/08/2007 14:55

London - BMW Sauber will keep drivers Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica for the 2008 Formula One season.

"Both Nick and Robert have delivered very strong performances in the course of this season," BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen said on Monday.

"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."

This season, German driver Heidfeld has finished third in Hungary and second in Canada. He has amassed 42 points to stand fifth in the overall standings with six races remaining.

The 22-year-old Kubica - Poland's first F1 driver - is one place behind with 28 points in his first full season.

In January, Heidfeld had to deny reports that he had a strained relationship with Kubica because the Polish driver was attracting more media attention. Both riders said they look forward to staying with the team next season.

"It is tremendous being able to help build up a new team and doing my bit for it," Heidfeld said. "When I look at the progress we have made over the last two years, it's an incredible incentive for me."

Throughout his career, the 30-year-old Heidfeld has operated in the shadows of more illustrious teammates, including Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa, who are now with Ferrari.

BMW stands third in the constructors' World Championship with 71 points, 38 ahead of Renault in fourth. McLaren leads with 138 points, ahead of Ferrari with 119.