Heidfeld Tight-Lipped about Next Year

The only topic that appears to be off limits is his contract for next year.

"As I've said many times before I'm not going to comment on that," Heidfeld said on Saturday after qualifying seventh for Sunday's German Grand Prix.

Caught in the middle of an awkward situation between Williams and engine-makers BMW, Heidfeld is trying hard to steer clear of any controversy in order to secure a seat in a fast car next year.

"I really don't want to say anything about that," said the 29-year-old.

"I'm in a good situation compared to last year. I don't have any concerns. I'm part of a very good team and very happy to be on it. Anything can happen."

Williams have been talking to other manufacturers since BMW, their partners since 2000, announced last month that they were taking over the Swiss-based Sauber team next January. There is speculation Heidfeld, popular in Germany, could go there too.

Heidfeld, who won a duel with Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia for the Williams seat, has had the best year of his career with 25 points - after scoring 28 points in 84 races in five previous years with Prost, Sauber and Jordan.

"For me BMW-Williams is still one team and it should be treated like one team and it should keep functioning like one team so that we continue to improve," Heidfeld said.

After back-to-back second places at Monaco and Nurburgring, Heidfeld said it was hard to explain the team's sudden dip in form as he finished 14th at the French Grand Prix and 12th at Silverstone.

His teammate Mark Webber was 12th and 11th in the last two races.

"It definitely has nothing to do with the separation", Heidfeld said. "That wouldn't be logical. We were all surprised by the breakdown in the last two races. We're working to improve.

"I'm happy with seventh place on the grid on Sunday. We've made a step forward, it's better than I thought we could do. The track here suits us well. At least that's the theory. But I hope the factor is that we've improved the car."