Schu: Williams should pick Nick

Schumacher, speaking at Ferrari's traditional pre-season press conference at the Madonna Di Campiglio ski resort, believes that should Heidfeld secure the drive that he could even be a championship contender this season.

"I think he [Nick Heidfeld] very much should get the opportunity because he has very often proven to be a very highly talented driver," said Schumacher. "He has proven it even in a car against his main competitor, so I hope they take the right decision.

"We will just have to find out if they do. If they do, then I reckon him as one of the challengers for this year."

Schumacher also reckons that his brother, who has spent this week testing the new Toyota TF105 at Jerez, could make an impact on the season with the Japanese manufacturer.

"Ralf and Toyota seemed to make a very good impression," said Schumacher. "I think they've taken the ingredients for success with drivers, engineers and designers. I haven't seen the car close enough to judge what it could be like but everything I hear is very promising.

"Whether they are going to be ready to win World Championships right now, probably that would be too high an expectation, but I'm pretty sure they are going to be more successful than they have been and for Ralf I think it is a great motivation and a great step to do something in the way he is doing it."