Heidfeld Weighing His Options for 2004

Sauber's German driver Nick Heidfeld says he is talking to other Formula One teams about next season.

"My contract runs out this year, so I have to look around for next year," he told a news conference before Sunday's European Grand Prix. "I'm confident but I can't tell you right now. We are talking to a couple of teams and also I have a good relationship with Peter (Sauber), with the whole team.

"I've felt comfortable there for the last two years, but it's too early to say anything," he added.

Heidfeld, 26, joined Swiss-based Sauber in 2001 from now-defunct Prost. He has had one podium finish in his career, a third place in Brazil in 2001, but has scored just one point so far this year.

Sauber have also been linked in the media to a possible comeback by Brazilian Felipe Massa, who drove for them last year before being replaced by Germany's Heinz-Harald Frentzen. Massa is now a test driver for Ferrari, Sauber's engine suppliers.

"We're not where we want to be," Heidfeld said of the team's performance. "We knew before the season, and already for the last two years, that it's going to be tough to compete against these big manufacturers.

"Some people said that this year's car has been designed completely wrong, but I can't agree with that. We've definitely made a step from last year to this year, but other teams definitely made a bigger step," he added.

Frentzen, 36, makes his 150th Grand Prix start this weekend and has said he has no thoughts of retiring yet.

"I never count the races," he said. "Actually it took me a long time to figure out it really was the 150th Grand Prix."