Q & A with Nick Heidfeld

Nick Heidfeld: I would have hoped for more than P7 with Barrichello changing gearbox, but there were circumstances that we couldn't do anything about with Barrichello crashing. The lap wasn't the best one in the world and on top of that it was one the prime tyre, which was slower. Looking at the other sessions over the weekend, we could have done more, but sometimes things happen.

Q. Has the circuit improved a lot over the course of the weekend?

NH: Yes, it was. But it's still extremely dirty off-line which will make it even more difficult to overtake.

Q. Are you problems at the first corner?

NH: KERS should not be a bit advantage at Turn 1 because the straight is pretty short. Maybe they have the advantage out of Turn 5 on the long straight. I don't see the first corner is more difficult than a lot of other tracks.

Q. What is the problem with the option tyre - is it too soft?

NH: For me, on the long runs, they lasted OK but for some other guys they went away a lot quicker. We have the prime tyre which is possible to do the race, obviously better, it maybe doesn't help things but the tyre is not too soft. As there is no competition, they could be ten times better, we could have tyres that are softer, offer more grip and last the distance. On top of that, the idea of having to use both compounds is artificial to create something that is not sport.

Q. The lack of testing doesn't help?

NH: There is no tyre testing, we have the same tyres for the whole year. What is really surprising is that even now so late in the season sometimes things happen that you didn't expect. It's not just for the team, it's for the whole paddock.

Q. You will drive in the last four races of BMW's life, how do you see them going?

NH: It sounds strange hearing that. It is obvious, but actually I don't think about it like this. I think I will wait until that feeling gets to me in the last race. I hope to be in a better position for the last couple of races. I expect our package to work better on a more normal circuit where it is less bumpy because I think we lack a bit on the mechanical side of our car. I don't see the other teams doing any major upgrades. It's similar for us, we might get something small, but I hope to have a better showing in Suzuka.

Q. Are you perturbed about the team not racing next year?

NH: The most important step has been done. The worry was a lot bigger that it would not be sold, but Qadbak seems to be there with a lot of money. I have a good feeling that the team will be on the grid

Q. What are the chances of you staying with the team?

NH: There are chances for sure, but the takeover is still fresh that there are many things still to be decided. First of all, I want to know more about the team. It would be nice to know more about Qadbak, but more important is how it is financed for next year, how many sponsors will be there, what the ambitions are because at the moment you get the feeling that the ambitions are quite high. The question is, will the key people be the same. Then I can think about staying, but before all that is decided I have to wait.