BMW took over the Swiss Sauber Team in mid-2005 and ran its own F1 team in 2006. The new BMW Sauber F1 Team made it into fifth place in its debut season, helped by two podium places – one by Heidfeld, the other by young Polish driver Robert Kubica. A BMW Sauber F1.06 made it into the points a total of 15 times. 2007 saw the young team exceed all expectations in establishing itself as consistently the third-fastest outfit on the World Championship grid. Heidfeld and Kubica made it into the top ten qualifying shootout at every one of the season’s grands prix, and on each occasion at least one of the drivers picked up points on race day. Another two podium finishes – one second and one third place courtesy of Heidfeld – were among the highlights of the season. The exclusion of the McLaren Mercedes team from the Constructors’ World Championship allowed the BMW Sauber F1 Team to finish its second season – also its second development year – as high as second in the standings.