Nick Heidfeld has been reprimanded by race stewards for forcing David Coulthard off the track in the early stages of today’s Bahrain Grand Prix.

The pair were battling for 12th place when Heidfeld made a clean pass into turn one.

Coulthard attempted to counter-attack around the outside of the following left-hand kink but had to take to the asphalt run-off area as Heidfeld drifted across into his path.

A statement issued by the FIA said: “The Stewards, after hearing the explanation of both the drivers and viewing video recording of the incident, determine that the driver Nick Heidfeld was involved in an incident as defined by Article 52 of the 2006 Formula 1 Sporting Regulations in that he forced the car driven by David Coulthard off the track.

“The Stewards accordingly reprimand the driver of car number 16 Nick Heidfeld.”

The rap on the knuckles completed a disappointing day for Heidfeld and his BMW team.

After qualifying 10th, the German was knocked into a spin at the first corner by debutant Nico Rosberg and spent the afternoon in catch-up mode.

“Obviously things started badly as Rosberg spun me in the first corner,” Heidfeld said.

“I lost a lot of places and that ruined my race.

“I was able to fight back and had a particularly exciting battle with Coulthard.

“It’s difficult to assess our performance after only one race but naturally it’s disappointing when you start 10th and can’t score any points.”

Team-mate Jacques Villeneuve ran just inside the top 10 until succumbing to a sudden engine failure at two-thirds distance.

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen admitted the team’s race pace did not live up to his expectations.

“The start of the weekend was promising, but unfortunately we could not maintain our performance for the race,” he said.

“Jacques’ car suffered a serious engine failure, without any warning. The unit was removed immediately after we got the car back, and sent to Munich for analysis.

“Nick was the victim of a collision in the first corner with Nico Rosberg, and was relegated to the tail of the field.

“From there he recovered to 12th but the lap times were not as good as expected.

“That shows that we have started well but still have much to do.”

Now is this something we can expect from now on  with ALL drivers... some said that DC should of yielded, his car fully laden with fuel did make him slower.....but hes a racer....like we saw later in the race his battle with  Rosberg  ...and we  saw later in the race with Scummi  and Alonso...its wheel to wheel racing we have been  waiting for for so long....AS LONG as its in a position where the racing of BOTH cars is on the track.... Heidfeld is experienced enough now ......keep it clean  everyone