BMW Motorsport boss Mario Theissen was left with "mixed emotions" on the day the German manufacturing giant bowed out of Formula One.

The three points from Nick Heidfeld's sixth place in Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix were enough to elevate BMW Sauber above Williams into sixth in the constructors' championship.

"Right now I've mixed feelings," said Theissen. "I'm happy about the result, happy for the team to finish this way, but it's sad to leave."

He added: "I'm not too emotional a guy but I will spend some moments looking back.

"The season has been extremely difficult for the team but I'm very satisfied with the last three or four races.

"We have put the team back where it belongs and gaining a position in the championship is certainly a very good final result."

Underlining the feeling in the paddock, McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh offered Theissen a consoling handshake and words of encouragement.

Whitmarsh said: "Good luck this winter. Keep fighting. Hope you're there next year."