Heidfeld becomes emotional as BMW bows out of F1

Nov 1, 2009 - 6:05 PM By CHRIS LINES AP Auto Racing Writer

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates(AP) -- Nick Heidfeld was overcome by emotion as he drove the final laps of Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to close out BMW's time in Formula One.

The German carmaker has withdrawn from F1, putting the future of the remnants of the Swiss-based team in doubt. Heidfeld finished fifth to lift the team to a sixth-place finish in the constructors' championship.

"It is a pleasing end to our last season together," Heidfeld said. "During the last laps, I had to pull myself together in order to keep my concentration."

To thank him for seven years of service with the team, Peter Sauber will give Heidfeld one of the team's cars to keep as a memento.

BMW's departure was one of several farewells at the final race of the 2009 season, the other big one Fernando Alonso from the Renault team with which he won two world championships.

Alonso, who is joining Ferrari in 2010, finished 14th in his final race with the team.

"I would like to thank the entire team for everything that we have achieved together over the years," Alonso said. "We had some great victories and won championships together. It has been the most amazing seven years of my career and something I will never forget."

Another long-standing servant moving on is Nico Rosberg, who finished ninth in his final race with Williams.

Rosberg's new team has not been announced, but the German has been closely linked to Brawn GP or McLaren for next year.

"It's been a long season and I would really like to thank all the team for their effort during the last four years," Rosberg said. "We have had a great time together."