Heidfeld to Race for BMW in 2006

As revealed in The Daily Grapevine yesterday, Heidfeld's services have been taken up by BMW as soon as they were able to.

Heidfeld's signing will see him return to a team he drove for for three years in its current form of Sauber, before the Swiss team was bought out by car manufacturer BMW earlier this year, BMW having provided the engines for the Williams team Heidfeld has driven for in 2005.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen commented: "For us, a new era in Formula One will begin on 1 January 2006 when BMW takes over the team operated by Peter Sauber. We are very pleased that Nick will be with us in what will undoubtedly be a difficult initial phase.

"He is not simply a fast and courageous driver, he is also an analytical and meticulous worker. Nick already knows the two sites in Munich and Hinwil, and is familiar with everybody involved."

Heidfeld, currently out of action as he recovers from a cycling accident, was happy about the news surrounding his future: "I'm really looking forward to the future. As far as I'm concerned, this represents the fulfilment of a big dream. I have a great deal of respect for the work carried out in Hinwil from 2001 to 2003.

"And for nearly a year now, I've experienced at first hand the commitment and resources BMW puts into its Formula One project. Naturally, I'm not expecting a miracle during the first season after a new start in 2006. But I'm confident that the new team will be successful over the long term."