Satisfied Heidfeld Expected More

Nick Heidfeld was satisfied with sixth place at the United States Grand Prix, but the Sauber driver said after the race that he had expected more following his qualifying performance on Saturday.

The German had qualified in sixth place at Indianapolis, equalling his best effort of the season, but he lost two gears during today's race and was forced to settle for sixth place despite being able to fight with McLaren's David Coulthard in the initial part of the event.

Heidfeld, who moved to seventh spot in the drivers' standings following today's result, was happy to score points again and was looking forward to helping Sauber retaining fourth place in the Constructors' Championship ahead of Jordan, who are two points behind with one race to go.

"Originally I expected more from this race, after our performance yesterday," said Heidfeld. "But in the circumstances I am happy to score a valuable point for sixth place, because I lost first, second and seventh gears soon after my first stop. They are very important here and I lost at least 20 km/h on the straight and had trouble on the infield too as a result.

"I'm satisfied, though, that we still maintain our fourth place in the Championship heading for the final race in Suzuka."