Grapevine: Heidfeld's wings clipped for Ring run

The BMW Sauber driver will be the man in charge of driving a Formula One car for the first time in 31 years around the 22-km historic track, in an event organised by BMW Motorsport.

Heidfeld will use this year's F1.07 car, but fitted with Bridgestone demonstration tyres, which are a lot slower than those used in the races.

The German admits he feels sorry he will not be allowed to go for it.

"BMW doesn't want me to go that fast ­ they are a bit worried about the circuit," said Heidfeld. "But I am a racing driver - I cannot go slow! I'm looking forward to it but I'm disappointed I have to use Bridgestone demonstration tyres.

"When we ran them in Melbourne, they were about 10 seconds a lap slower than regular tyres. Obviously, there's no grip.

"I don't know the track well but I know it. I've driven it a few times in a normal road car and I've played it a bit on the computer. I never did a race there so I'm not an expert at all.

"I'm really looking forward to it ­ it's going to be fantastic. But again, I would like to have normal tyres."

Despite knowing he will not be allowed to drive as fast as he can, Heidfeld says he is really eager to enjoy the experience.

"I just like the idea of driving on such a fantastic track, he added. "And I like driving in strange places ­ I drove on ice over the winter. So it's fun to do something different. The Pitlane Park is pretty cool.

"And sometimes we do pitstop demos on the street. I just like the idea of going to strange places with a Formula One car."