Heidfeld Unfazed by Pressure to Perform

Nick Heidfeld says he does not feel unduly concerned that his position at Williams is under threat â€" despite team boss Frank Williams suggesting that the German will need to perform if he is to keep his seat.

Williams explained that the team wanted test driver Antonio Pizzonia kept on board for 2005 because he may be needed to slot in to a race seat. He said: "Nick may let us down, and we may then want to put Antonio in."

With Williams at pains to express that his comments were not meant to be a specific threat to Heidfeld, the driver himself has also made it clear that he has no worries about his position at the team.

Speaking to Autosport.com, he said: "I don't worry about it â€" I will perform. It is natural if I have a bad performance someone better will replace me, but even then I am still with the team.

"The situation was clear right from the beginning. I don't have problems with that."

Pizzonia has been considering making the move to Champ Cars, after getting overlooked in the fight with Heidfeld for a race seat, but Williams has made it clear that he will remain as the team's test driver for 2005.