Heidfeld sure BMW can keep third place

"Yeah, I think we can achieve that, that should be our target," Heidfeld told reporters in Barcelona. "We had a bigger gap to the teams behind us than to the teams ahead, so that should be our goal definitely."

BMW are in third place in the constructors' championship following a strong start to the year, with Heidfeld having scored three consecutive fourth places, only behind Ferrari and McLaren drivers.

When asked if BMW could close the gap to Ferrari and McLaren, Heidfeld said: "I don't know. Only time will show, everyone is pushing hard for that and there are also some people who expect, but honestly I would be very satisfied if we stayed third."

Despite their current form, Heidfeld believes expectations on the team have raised too much, and the German driver is willing to play down the hype.

"Yeah, I think expectations are at the moment a bit too high," he added. "People seems to forget where we have come from. I say it over and over again.

"It simply is true, we were eighth in the constructors' championship not so long ago, we made a huge jump from last year. You cannot do that each month."

Although cautious about their options, Heidfeld reckons BMW have the potential to keep their development rate and stay in front all season, unlike during the team's previous incarnation as Sauber.

"I am sure it has changed. There was one year when we were able to keep up, that was 2001 quite a few years ago, and last year was quite good. In the middle we struggled a bit but then we were quite strong towards the end of the season.

"Now with BMW being there and with so many more people and so much more money I hope it is not an issue any more."