Despite pointing out issues about crime around the notorious streets of Sao Paulo,
Nick Heidfeld is nonetheless looking forward to curtailing a successful season of the
Formula One World Championship at Interlagos.
One of the sport's more unassuming drivers, Heidfeld has nonetheless shown impressive form in his maiden season for the
BMW team and goes into the Brazilian Grand Prix needing just three points to equal, and possibly beat, his best final position in the standings of eighth.
Indeed, his only competition for eigth is the since departed Juan Pablo Montoya, although
Rubens Barrichello is in turn just a further point up in seventh place, a situation going into the final race Heidfeld could not have imagined heading into the season with a fledgling team.
Nonetheless,
BMW are also just a single point ahead of
Toyota in the constructor standings and they are determined to keep their rivals behind them. Still, form is on Heidfeld's side having scored points in five of the last seven races, as well as claim the first of four podiums in Brazil back in 2001 when he drove for BMW's forerunner, Sauber.
“I always enjoy coming to São Paulo. Not only is Interlagos one of my favourite circuits, I also love the flight path into the city. It's incredible to be hovering for minutes on end above those endless housing districts and shanty towns.
“Unfortunately crime is an issue here, as it is in many of the world's major conurbations. But we drivers don't really get to see any of it. Of course my fondest memory is of winning my first podium place here in 2001 with the Sauber Team.
“It was a difficult race in wet conditions, but everything worked out and in the end I was able to take third place on the podium next to
David Coulthard and Michael Schumacher.”
Heidfeld will also be returning to Interlagos for the first time in two years after missing last year's race due to an injury that ended his season early. With that in mind, Heidfeld is keeping an open mind about his race, even if he is eager to end his season on a high.
“I would rate the Ferra dura turn as one of the best in the whole racing calendar, although the bumpy surface of the track is not so nice. But they say it was improved last year, when I couldn't race due to injury. I'll have to see for myself, and I hope to round off the season with a successful race.”
