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 the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix were enough to elevate BMW Sauber above Williams into sixth in the constructors' championship.

It was small consolation for Theissen at the end of what has been an extraordinarily tough year during which BMW announced this would be their last in the sport.

That decision has left Sauber fighting for a place on next year's grid, with their primary hope being if another team withdraws.

Reflecting on a hard day and season, Theissen said: "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.

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

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."