Nick Heidfeld really has experienced the full range of emotions over the past three races. First in Hockenheim he was involved in a first lap clash with teammate Jacques Villeneuve that compromised both their races, and frustrated the management at what was probably BMW's biggest race of the year.
Then the sudden departure of Villeneuve elevated him to the status of clear team leader for the Hungarian GP. Aware that all eyes were on his mercurial new partner Robert Kubica, he responded with a largely unheralded drive to third place.
Finally in Turkey he earned his best starting position of the year in fifth, albeit boosted a little by a penalty for countryman Ralf Schumacher. Another good helping of points seemed certain, but he arrived at the first corner to find Giancarlo Fisichella facing the wrong way, and was left with nowhere to go. He managed to get going and pitted for repairs, but his race was effectively over. He trailed home at the back of the field, unable to get up to speed in a crippled car.