Michael Praises 'Robot' Heidfeld

He meant it as a compliment.

"In the cockpit, Nick is the perfect engineers' driver - the way he is very cool and to the point and almost like a robot," the Australian told reporters at the Spanish Grand Prix. "When you are a race engineer, it is fantastic to talk to someone like that.

"There is no emotion, even when he is doing something very emotional on the track," added Michael.

Heidfeld joined Williams this season, after last year at Jordan, as a late selection to partner Australian Mark Webber following the team's failure to secure Briton Jenson Button's return from BAR.

The German, one of Formula One's quiet men, has taken Williams' only podium of the season so far - a third place in Malaysia.

Michael said Heidfeld, who collided with Ferrari's Michael Schumacher in the opening race in Australia, could be counted on to acknowledge on the radio all instructions clearly and precisely.

"Everyone probably calls engineers dull but that's what he's like," added Michael, adding hastily: "When I say dull, I'm an engineer. Let's just say we relate very well together."