Heidfeld stars as BMW make most of carnage.

Although they marginally missed out on a podium spot, BMW Sauber were delighted with their double points finish at the Australian Grand Prix, with Nick Heidfeld staying out of trouble to grab a superb fourth place finish as others self destructed around them.

It was a strong day for the team all round, with Jacques Villeneuve making the most of the numerous safety car periods to vault from 19th place to an excellent sixth place by the chequered flag, giving BMW Sauber a healthy eight points in only their third race.

However, their result could have been all the more spectacular had Heidfeld been able to hold onto the second place he occupied at the end of the fourth safety car period.

After a long but strong first stint was rewarded with fourth place, Heidfeld took advantage of a bungled McLaren pit stop to leapfrog both Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya in the pit lane to take a place behind Fernando Alonso on the track.

As with many drivers through the day though, Heidfeld struggled to get heat into his Michelin tyres once the race resumed and after making slight contact with Raikkonen, the German was suddenly back in fifth, only to move up a place again when Montoya expired a few laps later.

Despite missing out though, Heidfeld was ecstatic with the result nonetheless. "I am really happy about this result," he mused. "We were already competitive in practice but we were even stronger in the race. I think it's fantastic for a new team having both cars in the points, especially considering where Jacques started.

"My only problem was that I couldn't get heat into the tyres immediately after each safety car period and it was particularly bad after the last one when Kimi was all over me, and we touched lightly in turn four. I then braked too late for Turn six because the front tyres were still not up to temperature, and as I ran wide he was able to pass me. So was Ralf, within metres of yellow flags."

Villeneueve was also pleased to avoid the carnage to climb through the field into the points but again complained of a lack of grip once the temperatures dropped.

"Starting from 19th place with a full tank and finishing sixth is obviously a lot better than I expected, so it was a very good race for me," the Canadian said. "The only problem I had was warming up the tyres after the numerous safety car phases. We have to have a look at this to improve the situation, but otherwise our pace was good."

Team boss Mario Theissen was full of praise for the team, particularly as their aggressive tactics to put Heidfeld and especially Villeneuve on heavy fuel paid off with the myriad of safety car periods.

"It was a turbulent race with many exciting moments,"" he said. "We are proud that we were able to bring both cars home in the points for the first time. Nick ran amongst the front-runners throughout the race, while our decision proved correct to start Jacques with a full tank from his 19th place on the grid. Congratulations to the entire team, not only here at the track but back in Munich and Hinwil too."