Heidfeld might well save his skin at the end of the Belgian GP

Nick Heidfeld is quite confident that this resurgence in form at the Belgian Grand Prix will allow him to retain his place at BMW-Sauber through a new contract.

The German has been put under pressure to overcome his recurring problems in qualification. BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen stated in Valencia two weeks ago that Heidfeld needed to improve his performance if he wanted to stay on board!

After responding to this request with a fifth place on the Spa-Francorchamps grid, thus equaling his best result of the season, Heidfeld is now more optimistic about his future.

When asked after the qualifying session about the probability of a new contract, he stated: « I can’t tell you anything about my contractual situation right now because I don’t know anything yet. But I’m quite confident, that’s all I can say. »

Heidfeld confessed that this increase in competitiveness at Spa is not the result of Theissen’s insistence but rather the fruit of his own desire to do better.

« It was not a group awakening. We talked about the same tire issue for quite some time. »

« Like any athlete, I have very high demands on myself, and if things don’t go as I wish, I’m not happy with myself. The rest doesn’t have a big influence. »

He acknowledged that this strong performance came at the perfect time for him with a new contract in sight.

« I think it is important for me to achieve a good result here at Spa, especially after the Valencia race. I have this feeling that after the problems of the season, I have managed to change and improve a lot of things. »