Heidfeld was similarly defended by Kubica – a man who has outscored him 55-41 so far this season – who insisted that he would be keen for the pair to continue working alongside each other in 2009, what would be their third full campaign together.

“People like to forget what Nick has done in the past,” the Pole stated. “You have to look at the bigger picture, not just at what you want to see.

“Nick is a very good driver, and he has shown that many times. I struggle to find someone who is quicker. I don't see why we can't be team-mates again next season, but I would have no problem if there was also a different driver.”

Should the man from Mönchengladbach indeed lose his seat at BMW at the end of the current season, his options to remain in the uppermost echelon would appear to be limited. Red Bull junior outfit Scuderia Toro Rosso – with potentially two berths available should Sébastien Bourdais not be retained – looks to be the most likely possibility, but team co-owner Gerhard Berger responded to suggestions that Heidfeld's manager Andre Theuerzeit had been spotted on more than one occasion in the Red Bull Racing motorhome in Valencia with only lukewarm enthusiasm.

“If Nick is on the market then you have to have a look at him,” the Austrian former ten-time grand prix-winner told German's Sport Bild, “but at the moment, unfortunately, you have to say his achievements have been a bit down.”