Heidfeld heads up BMW challenge
Nick Heidfeld has been chosen as the spearhead of BMW’s first full attack on Formula One, which begins next season.
The German manufacturer have bought Sauber to launch their first full entry into the Formula One world championship, splitting from Williams in the process.
They have not abandoned everyone at Williams though and Heidfeld’s impressive form this season has caught their eye. They today confirmed a three-year contract with the German driver, starting next season.
Williams held an option on the 28-year-old for 2006, however they have Jenson Button under contract for next season and an eye on Nico Rosberg to fill in if that falls through, freeing Heidfeld to join BMW.
Heidfeld, who raced for Sauber for three years before being dropped at the end of 2003, expects his task to be a tricky one as BMW look to transform the Switzerland-based team from midfield runners to genuine challengers.
He said: “Naturally, I’m not expecting a miracle during the first season after a new start in 2006. But I’m confident the new team will be successful over the long term.
“I’m really looking forward to the future. As far as I’m concerned, this represents the fulfilment of a big dream.
“I have a great deal of respect for the work carried out in Hinwil from 2001 to 2003. And for nearly a year now, I’ve experienced at first hand the commitment and resources BMW puts into its Formula One project.”
BMW chief Mario Theissen is delighted to have Heidfeld’s talents at his disposal next year.
He said: “For us, a new era in Formula One will begin on January 1, 2006 when BMW takes over the team operated by Peter Sauber.
“We are very pleased that Nick will be with us in what will undoubtedly be a difficult initial phase. He is not simply a fast and courageous driver, he is also an analytical and meticulous worker.
“Nick already knows the two sites in Munich and Hinwil, and is familiar with everybody involved.”
Heidfeld’s team-mate has yet to be confirmed, although Jacques Villeneuve holds a contract for next season.
Today’s confirmation of Heidfeld’s move, which has been expected for some time, comes just days after he was effectively ruled out of the rest of this season through injury.
While recovering from a testing crash which ruled him out of two races, Heidfeld was involved in a cycling accident which broke a shoulder blade and dislocated several fingers.
Williams today confirmed Antonio Pizzonia will again stand in for Heidfeld in Brazil next weekend, but stopped short of confirming him for Japan and China.
That raises the prospect of GP2 star Rosberg making his grand prix debut, prior to a possible race seat in 2006, if Button succeeds in escaping his Williams deal.
