BMW to retain drivers

(GETTY IMAGES)

BMW Sauber have confirmed they will retain their existing driver line-up of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld for the 2009 Formula One season.

The announcement brings an end to months of speculation over the future of German Heidfeld, whose place at the team was rumoured to be under threat from Renault's two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.

Kubica's future has been equally uncertain, with BMW reportedly keen for the Polish star to sign a three-year deal despite the driver's apparent wish to keep his options open for 2010.

BMW also confirmed Austrian test and reserve driver Christian Klien will continue with the team into 2009.

"We see Nick and Robert as a strong driver pairing and Christian as an experienced test driver," said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen.

"We are in no doubt that we will again achieve our ambitious aims with them in the team's fourth year."

The 2008 season has been something of a watershed for the Hinwil-based BMW team, with Kubica claiming the team's first ever win at the Canadian Grand Prix in June.

The 23-year-old, who has visited the podium six times in 2008, sits third in the drivers' standings with three races to go, 20 points behind championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

Heidfeld, often maligned for his outright pace, has time and again demonstrated his racing wiles to claim second-placed finishes at four grands prix this season. He sits fifth in the championship at present, eight points behind his team-mate.