Istanbul - Nick Heidfeld is uncertain where his future lies
in Formula One as his BMW-Sauber team continues to struggle for
points this season.
'As always, at the appropriate time I will consider the relevant
options that promise the most success in the future,' the 32-year-old
told the German Press Agency dpa ahead of Sunday's Turkish Grand Prix
in Istanbul.
Heidfeld's comments come on the back of growing speculation that
BMW intends pulling out of the sport at the end of this season.
BMW head into the seventh race of the 2009 season with Heidfeld
trailing in 12th place in the drivers' standings with just six points
while teammate Robert Kubica has yet to get off the mark.
At the last race in Monaco, Kubica retired while Heidfeld could
only finish 11th.
In an effort to improve competitiveness, the Swiss-based German
team will introduce a new rear diffuser, similar to that run by the
all-conquering Brawn GP team, in Istanbul in the hope of turning
around what has been a disastrous season to date.
'I really hope that Monaco proves to be the exception,' said
Heidfeld. 'It would be unrealistic to believe that this will close
the gap to the top in one fell swoop but it should bring about a
noticeable improvement.'
BMW had hoped to be fighting for the constructors' and drivers'
titles in 2009 after a standout 2008 season but instead the gap to
the top has grown.
Team principal Mario Theissen put the disappointing performances
down to the slow development of their diffuser as well as problems
with tyres.
'Ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix our results are quite sobering.
Nobody in the team expected the season to go as it has to date,' he
said.
'To regain our competitiveness we will have to ramp up our
development speed significantly.'
Heidfeld, for his part, admitted BMW are struggling but that
previous experience had shown the team could pull through.
'We have achieved a lot in recent years as a team,' said the
German. 'Now we are going through a difficult time, and I am trying
to give my best as a driver so that we can get out of it together.'
USA
Your Talkback on this Story