BMW-Sauber has come out in support of
Nick Heidfeld, insisting the experienced German is not under any pressure despite struggling to live with the pace of young team-mate
Robert Kubica thus far in 2008.
Following his runner-up spot in the season curtain-raiser in Melbourne nine weeks ago, Heidfeld has since been out-performed by Kubica in every grand prix, and has yet to out-qualify him this year in five attempts.
The key issue seems to be that the recently-turned 31-year-old's smoother driving style compared to the Pole's more aggressive manner inside the cockpit has meant he is encountering difficulties in getting
Bridgestone's new Potenza tyres up to temperature sufficiently quickly. This time last year it was Kubica who was having problems in getting to grips with the new control rubber.
In both Spain and Turkey Heidfeld has failed to better ninth on the starting grid – putting him at an immediate disadvantage for the races – but
BMW Motorsport Director Dr Mario Theissen insists the Munich and Hinwil-based concern is standing by its man.
“I have a very relaxed point-of-view regarding this issue,” the 55-year-old German is quoted as having said by
F1SA, acknowledging that his driver's recent trials and tribulations have sparked speculation about his future but at the same time stressing that both Heidfeld and Kubica are ‘equal' within the team.
“In the races, however, Nick makes us happy with his spectacular overtaking manoeuvres. Now we are going to analyse the entire package together with Nick to get to the bottom of the [qualifying] problem.”
