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Exclusive: Interview Nick Heidfeld

Wed 13-08 2003

Last week Peter Gloudemans of DailyF1News.com had an exclusive interview with Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld. Heidfeld is under contract with Mercedes, this contract experis at the end of this year. The German drove the past years in the sub-top of the Formula 1 field, this year "Quick Nick" only scored two points. The contract with Sauber and Heidfeld also expires at the end of this year. Peter Gloudemans asked Heidfeld some questions about McLaren, Sauber, and his future.

01 Nick, first of all many thanks for doing this interview with me. First I would like to ask you how it is to have Heinz Harald Frentzen as a team-mate. In the past Heinz Harald Frentzen had problems with some drivers (like Jos Verstappen, Martin Brundle, and Jacques Villeneuve), how is your relationship with Heinz Harald Frentzen?

I have no problems with Heinz-Harald at all.

02 Last year Sauber was quicker when you compare them with the other teams. What is the reason behind this, why didn't make Sauber so much progress as other teams like Renault or McLaren?

We progressed compared to last year but unfortunately the step we made was not big enough. I guess the main reason is that we don’t have a big sponsor or a big car manufacturer behind us. But this is no excuse because we didn’t have that when we were 4th in the championship. Our situation should progress as soon as the wind tunnel is finished.

03 At which point can the Sauber C22 be improved?

We can improve the car everywhere but the most important thing is the aerodynamic.

04 Sauber had a new engine for the European GP, you tested and drove this weekend with the B version of the Petronas engine, do you think this a big improvement? And at which point is the B version better then the A version?

As I have driven the engine now I know that it is stronger, especially in higher gears. Of course it is gonna be an improvement but it will not be enough to make us win some positions

05 Next year launch control is banned. Do you think that makes much difference? Do you think it is better for you as a driver?

I think there will be a lot more overtaking and mixed up positions after the start. This year with the launch control the starts are very foreseeable. It will be more interesting without.

06 Sauber doesn't test at Friday before the Grand-Prix but has unlimited testing for the rest of the season. Is this an advancement?

I think if you have the possibility and the money to do a lot of tests it is an advantage to go for the testing version and not the Heathrow Agreement.

07 What's your opinion about the HANS-system?

I think the system is very useful from all the result I have seen so far. At the beginning of the year I had some problems with it but after some changes I have no problems using it now. I still feel more comfortable without it but even if it would be my decision wearing it or not I would wear it.

08 What was your best moment out of your Formula 1 career?

My 3rd place in Brazil in 2001

09 What should you do now, as you were not a Formula 1 driver?

I have no idea

10 In June you were going to drive for McLaren at the "Festival of Speed", this didn't happen. There already some rumours that you're going to replace David Coulthard at McLaren. Following the rumours Mercedes has an option at you until the end of this year. Is there any truth in these rumours, are you going to drive for McLaren next year?

Unfortunately I was not able to take part in “Festival of Speed” because of other appointments.
I cannot comment on the contractual situation to McLaren.

11 How about next year, there a certain rumours in the paddock that Brazilian driver Felippe Massa will replace you next year, what is true about that? Can you please tell us a bit more about your future.

There are a lot of rumours. We talk to several teams, also with Sauber but there is nothing fixed for the moment.

11 Your team-mate Kimi Raikkonen is now driving for McLaren, he is doing very well there. Is it not hard to see him winning Grand-Prix?

No, I think it’s good to see him doing a good job because I had him as my team mate and showed a strong performance against him and for me this indicates that I would be able to do the same.

12 In Germany the people are supporting Michael Schumacher, is it not difficult to drive in the shadows of Schumacher?

No, not at all. This makes live easier for the other German drivers in the public because everybody is more focussed on him.

13 Who do you think is going to be world champion this year? Why do you think this driver is going to take the title?

At the moment Juan Pablo Montoya is only 6 points behind Michael Schumacher, and it will be very tight between these two drivers. I really don’t know on whom of these two I would put my money.

Categorieën: Jacques Villeneuve

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