Heidfeld Proud to Drive for BMW

Heidfeld was the first driver to be confirmed at the Bavarian squad, who will race under BMW's name after taking over the Sauber team this year.

"Pride is a strange word, but actually I do fell quite proud about it, yes - especially as BMW has never had its own team before, so it's quite an honour to be picked," Heidfeld told Autosport.

"I will be the first German driver to drive for an all-German factory team for many years.

"I'm sure that will mean more media attention in Germany, but I have always said I am not in Formula One for the attention. As long as I can get good results and drive good races, that's enough."

After having driven for the Sauber team from 2001 to 2003, Heidfeld, who currently races for Williams, believes getting back to the Hinwil-based squad, despite the different owners, should not be hard.

"I was with them for three years, which is quite a long time and it's only two years since I've been there, so I'll know probably 90 percent of the people there," Heidfeld said. "For sure that will help in the beginning when I go back there.

"I don't think it will be a problem going to an other team, but knowing all the people always helps to speed things up a bit. If I need to know something I'll know who to speak to straight away without having to go and ask someone."

The German added: "I have worked with them for one season already, of course," said Heidfeld. "Knowing both the Sauber and the BMW sides will be useful and I know how big BMW's commitment has been and how strong the engine has been. I also know how strong Sauber has been on a very limited budget.

"That played a big role in me wanting to move there. They are able to perform well even on a small budget, which says a lot for the team. That doesn't mean that having a lot more money will instantly make them better. But I believe Sauber has always been a team that's able to maximise its potential."