Heidfeld Claims First Podium For BMW, Calls For Track Changes

Topics:  Canadian Grand Prix, Nick Heidfeld

Anthony Fontanelle
June 14, 2007

At the recently held Canadian Grand Prix, BMW Sauber came in with a strong hold on the third spot in the constructor’s championship with an aim to increase their lead over fourth place Renault. Nick Heidfeld gave the team just that after taking the second place at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada. His runner-up finish matched his best career Formula One finish.

With his second place finish, he, along with Alexander Wurz who is driving for Williams-Toyota, became the first drivers to attain a podium finish aside from McLaren and Ferrari’s drivers. The driver said that he was impressed how well they have performed at the Canadian Grand Prix. “First of all, I’m stunned about how quick we were in Canada in race conditions,” he said. “I think I could have finished second anyway, beaten probably one of the McLarens and both of the Ferraris.”

He gave BMW Sauber a stronger hold on third place with 38 points - 17 points clear of fourth place Renault. With the next race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Heidfeld is confident that they can perform well at the circuit since it is similar to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. “It is true that the downforce level in Indy is similar to Canada, probably a bit more – obviously then there are a lot more corners,” says the German driver.

“But (Indianapolis) is one of the circuits where I’ve always done well. Apart from last year, when I was flying a bit! I hope I will have better luck this year.” Heidfeld is apparently referring to his last race at the United States Grand Prix where he was involved in an accident which saw his car flying through the air. The said race took out seven cars in just the opening lap. Heidfeld’s car was totaled after he took a triple barrel roll which saw his car’s components with even the BMW radiator flying through the air.

Heidfeld’s teammate met a similar fate at this year’s Canadian Grand Prix. The Polish BMW Sauber driver Robert Kubica suffered what is so called the most horrific high speed crash in recent memory. Fortunately though, the driver only suffered a minor concussion and a sprained ankle. Kubica’s car looks to have been at a worse condition than Heidfeld’s car last year at the United States Grand Prix.

After the race, Heidfeld called out for changes to be made on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to avoid accidents in the future. “I don't know 100% but I think the circuit was breaking loose, especially in turn 10, and if that could be rectified for next year that would already be a big step,” said Heidfeld.

The German driver admitted that he did not know the condition of his teammate immediately after the accident. “It was difficult to get some information,” he said. “You just saw the car on the side with nothing left. I was happy to hear that Robert is okay.”

Meanwhile the first Polish Formula One driver said that he is looking to participate at the upcoming United States Grand Prix. “As you see I'm quite in good shape and I'm hoping (to be) going to Indianapolis if the doctors will say OK for my driving,” says the rising Formula One star after he was released from Montreal's Sacre-Coeur Hospital less than 24 hours after the accident.

Source:  Amazines.com