Heidfeld says third important for BMW

Nick Heidfeld believes his third place in qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix is an important result that could help BMW secure the future of the team

The German car maker will quit Formula 1 at the end of the season and it is still looking for a buyer that will allow the team to race on.

BMW was back on form at Spa for its strongest qualifying of the season, with Heidfeld third fastest and team-mate Robert Kubica in fifth.

Heidfeld reckons the result is a boost for the team.

"It is important to everyone in the team," said Heidfeld. "It shows that BMW wants to leave on a high and it's more important for the people in Hinwil.

"We are working on saving the team. It's difficult to say what will happen but it is important we have a good result."

Heidfeld admitted the team had not made any significant changes to its car for the Spa race, and he reckons the nature of the track is the main reason why BMW is suddenly so competitive.

"We have a couple of small updates, but nothing major, we are waiting for Singapore," he said. "One reason why it is so mixed here is it I a completely different track, it is a mid- downforce level. We usually stick on the car anything you find but not here.

"We've made good progress overnight. This morning there were another couple of changes, it went pretty smooth. From time to time there is traffic. Q2 I wasn't happy with set-up time, but I was convinced that Q3 could be possible."