Heidfeld aims to keep Toyota at bay

The German squad are only one point ahead of their Japanese rivals, with only the Interlagos round left.

The battle intensified on Saturday, with Jarno Trulli putting his Toyota in third place and Ralf Schumacher finishing in seventh.

Heidfeld was down in eight, with teammate Robert Kubica in ninth.

"I am quite happy because until qualifying the weekend had been quite difficult for me," said Heidfeld. "I had problems with the balance of the car, which has now improved. This was because of set-up changes and that higher temperatures are better for the tyres and my driving style.

"The fact the Toyotas have been so strong in qualifying is a damper. The fight for fifth place in the constructors' championship will be extremely exciting for us."

Kubica added: "It is good to be in the top ten again, my fifth time in six races that is okay. Unfortunately on one set of tyres I locked the brakes on a bump and I could not use a second set.

"It will be a bit difficult for tomorrow's race, but it is still not bad. You have to have good pace here and I think we have a good consistent pace."