Heidfeld backs BMW's radical push

The German squad, the third strongest team in last year's championship, had a somewhat troubled start with their F1.08 during winter testing.

But Heidfeld believes it was necessary to take risks with the new car in order to jump forward and be able to close the gap to Ferrari and McLaren.

"We had some problems early on with this car but now we are progressing quickly," said Heidfeld.

"But if you don't try and make these big steps then there is no chance to win - and we want to win, so we have to make these big steps, even if we don't exactly get the results.

"If you don't try big things to close a gap that was relatively big last year - McLaren and Ferrari were half a second, and in F1 half a second is a lot - you don't find it with a little bit here or there, you need a big step."

He added: "The team, my and our target is to win a grand prix this year and to get closer to the top two teams. But until we are at the first races we won't really know. My target is always the same, to do the best I can, always keep improving, make no mistakes and maximise the potential of the car.

"If the car is a disaster and you finish it might be a great result so you cannot be disappointed. On the opposite if the car is great and you finish second it might be a disappointment."

Heidfeld, however, does not believe BMW will be able to match the top two teams early in the season.

"I guess early in the season not, but at the moment nobody knows," he said. "It is the same thing I say every time, we don't know the fuel loads the others run.

"Of course you try to get a sort of idea. I guess it is Ferrari ahead of McLaren and I hope we are the strongest (of the rest). Although you don't know the fuel levels the other teams run.

"You try and watch them a bit and hear what they say. It is not scientific, it is just a feeling I have."