Formula One news

Heidfeld looks towards race, but not traffic

The BMW Sauber team is hoping to score more vital points in next weekend´s Chinese Grand Prix, having made the best advantage of weather conditions and a clever strategy last time out in Malaysia; Nick Heidfeld, starting with more fuel onboard than anybody, saw a one-stop strategy play into his hands brilliantly when the race was cut short just after half distance.

The first Chinese Grand Prix took place five years ago

Having been on the Formula One calendar since 2004, until this year China´s race has always featured among the final trio of the season, and so April could bring with it a number of differences. "We can probably expect considerably lower temperatures," Nick Heidfeld confirmed. "That will make a difference to the tyres in particular, and also bring with it a different atmosphere. We've seen some good races in Shanghai, and I hope that will be the case in 2009 as well. The first corner is the highlight of the circuit - you go into it at high speed, and to begin with you stay on the throttle, but then it keeps tightening up and you have to drop down to second gear.

"There is a high chance of rain," team-mate Robert Kubica continued. "That can have a major impact on the whole weekend, of course. So far Shanghai hasn't brought me any luck, but I'm hoping that will change this time round." Although the state of the art circuit possesses an excellent safety record, Heidfeld is not so sure about the rather agricultural driving seen outside of the venue. "The city of Shanghai is just as exciting," he said. "The traffic is unpleasant, though, and we're not allowed to drive ourselves here. Last year my driver had an accident on the motorway on Saturday night; you quite often get cars unexpectedly stranded on the road, and it was too late for him to brake - fortunately it wasn't serious, but traffic conditions in Shanghai are really terrible."

more news

• 28 Nov.
  • Lola ready to enter Formula 1
  • Raikkonen close to Citroen WRC deal
  • Tung looking for 'useful' test
• 27 Nov.
  • Montreal seals Formula One contract
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation

Homepage