Heidfeld Plays Down Podium Chances

German Nick Heidfeld has played down his chances of securing a place on the Austrian Grand Prix podium despite claiming fourth place on the grid for Sunday's race.

Heidfeld, now in his third year of driving for Sauber, will start from the second row of the grid for the first time in his career after claiming his best ever qualifying position at the A1-Ring today.

His previous best was the fifth place he secured in Austria last year, but he does not believe he can convert his position into a podium finish and equal his third place finish in Brazil achieved in 2001.

"In the last two years I had the best qualifying results here," Heidfeld said. "Two years ago it was my best with sixth, last year it was the best with fifth and now fourth. I am very happy with the result, particularly under such circumstances because I had a problem with my car in the warm-up and had to change to the spare.

"It means a lot to me today because it is quite important for the team. I hope it gives them a boost because if you struggle as we have in the last two races it is very tough. Everybody pushes to the limit but you know you are not in such a good mood."

Heidfeld has scored only one point so far this season in Malaysia and while he is confident he can improve his tally this weekend he says chances of beating the bigger teams are slim to nil.

"I can get my best result for this year here but my best result ever, which was third in Brazil, I think would only be possible with some luck," said Heidfeld. "A podium is unrealistic because I am in front of Rubens (Barrichello) and he must be on more fuel but I hope to get some points. Everything can happen and you just have to get the best out of it.

"We have good launch control and so far this season I have gained positions on each first lap but you cannot go into the start saying I want to be first after the first corner."