BMW and Heidfeld ready to challenge the leaders at Spain GP

By Jens Marx May 9, 2007, 9:59 GMT

Barcelona - The main attention is on home favourite Fernando Alonso and his astonishing team-mate Lewis Hamilton at the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix, but Nick Heidfeld and his BMW team are ready for action as well.

The two-time world champion Alonso knows about Heidfeld's strength first-hand, being overtaken for fourth place by the German in the last race in Bahrain.

'I would have screamed and taken my hands off the steering wheel, but I still had a few laps to drive,' said Heidfeld after the memorable manoeuvre.

'I am having fun like never before.'

Heidfeld has finished fourth in each of the first three season races, beaten only by the McLarens and Ferraris. BMW-Sauber's status as the third power is also underlined in the constructors standings.

Now comes the Spanish GP on Sunday in Barcelona, the first race in Europe where the German team is set to attack the leading duo again.

The McLaren star Alonso is aware of the danger and speaks highly of BMW and Heidfeld.

'So far there is a small gap between the two top teams and BMW. But there may be no gap on some tracks. Nick will surely fight for top positions as in Bahrain.

'We will see some races in which not only McLaren-Mercedes and Ferrari, but also Nick will fight for a podium place and possibly even victory,' Alonso told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa last week during tests in Barcelona.

Barcelona would be perfect for a podium as it would be a desired birthday gift for Heidfeld, who turns 30 on Thursday.

'I'm hoping for another good result for my 30th birthday!'

Heidfeld, who has proudly carried the German flag in the sport since last year's retirement of superstar Michael Schumacher, is confident that last week's test in Barcelona will pay off.

'The extensive testing carried out here means that all the drivers know the track like the back of their hands. It's a fast circuit and has several nice corners.

The fact that it is the home GP for the world champion has turned it into a far more popular event. Racing in this kind of atmosphere is great for all the drivers, not only Fernando,' he said.

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen said that that all teams are basically starting from scratch again after a four-week break following the races in Australia, Malaysia and Bahrain.

'The first race in Europe is like a second start into the season.

'We had a very good start into the season and have used the time since the Bahrain GP for intensse further deveopments. Our rivals have sure also done that. The interesting question is whether the balance of power has changed,' Theissen said.