02 Nov 2007
Heidfeld surprised by BMW Sauber’s 2007 form
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BMW Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld has admitted that he did not expect the team to be as strong as they were during the 2007 season. Heidfeld, who scored in all but three races, finished fifth in the championship with a tally of 61 points.
“Before the season I didn't think we could be this strong,” explained the German. “I had expected Renault to be a tougher challenge. I hadn't expected things to go so well.”
After finishing their 2006 debut season fifth in the constructors' table, BMW Sauber had hoped to step up to fourth in 2007. But the poor performance of title holders Renault and their own surprisingly strong progress, saw the German-Swiss team quickly take up the ‘best of the rest’ slot behind Ferrari and McLaren.
Following McLaren’s exclusion from the championship, BMW Sauber eventually finished the year second in the standings, behind Ferrari. Looking ahead to next season, Heidfeld now believes the squad may have paved the way for even greater success in the future.
“That is more realistic than ever before, particularly since I am convinced it can be possible with BMW,” he explained. “It probably won't happen in 2008 but the goal of BMW is to win a race next season and then compete for the title. And that is my goal too.”
The 30 year-old has been with the team since the end of 2005, after moving from Williams. Next season, he will continue to drive alongside team mate Robert Kubica, who was also retained for 2008.
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