GERMANY: MOTOR RACING - Nick Heidfeld drives F1 car on infamous racing track Nordschleife

BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld completed three laps of the old Nurburgring racing track Nordschleife on Saturday (April 28) in a modern Formula One racing car, to become the first driver to do so in 31 years. Heidfeld, who has finished fourth in all three grand prix so far this year, drove the F1.06 around the 20.8 kilometre race track in front of an estimated crowd of over 25,000. "This morning I drove a lap in the BMW and I am getting a bit more excited than I thought I would" said Heidfeld before getting behind the wheel. "I am very much looking forward to this and it will be a great event, also for those watching. I am happy to be in the car but it will be great for the visitors as well, basically standing in the forest, no cars, and at some point you hear the first sounds of Formula One and then I speed past and it's quiet again. It is a special atmosphere," said the 29-year-old German. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said the event had been staged to thank the fans of the team for their support. "BMW is at the Nuerburgring basically all year around. We thought and are sure that the ride Nick is taking today will be the highlight of the year for all those fans spending so much time at the Nordschleife." Theissen also said their was not much the team could do prepare car or driver for the challenge. Heidfeld notched up a top speed of 275 km per hour on the long straight called the "Döttinger Höhe". The second lap was his fastest lap and took 8:34 minutes. "There was no best spot, it was just fun. From the start to the finish it was fantastic. I did three laps which is great but I wish I could have gone on until the car ran out of fuel. It was amazing, a lot better than I would have expected, probably also because I felt quite confident in the car and also the circuit knowledge was enough," said Heidfeld after his drive. Heidfeld's challenge was part of the "Experience BMW Motorsport" Event, that also included a meet and greet with fans who were delighted with the experience. A week ago, BMW Sauber confirmed they saw no reason why Nick Heidfeld should not stay at the Formula One team next year but any new deal is likely to be months away. Heidfeld, now in his second season at BMW after previous spells at Williams, Jordan, Sauber and now-defunct Prost, told reporters at the Bahrain Grand Prix last weekend that he wanted a quick decision on his future. BMW have German youngster Sebastian Vettel, who made a big impression last year as a test driver, waiting in the wings while Poland's Robert Kubica looks likely to be retained after a strong debut last year. Heidfeld has also been linked to Cologne-based Toyota, who have yet to confirm compatriot Ralf Schumacher's future with them after this year. BMW Sauber would clearly be Heidfeld's preferred choice, with that team currently third in the standings and challenging Ferrari and McLaren. Heidfeld overtook McLaren's double champion Fernando Alonso in Bahrain.

ITN Source | April 29, 2007

Tags:. .saw. .fuel. .forward. .excited. .basically