Heidfeld: I deserve a top team.

Jordan driver Nick Heidfeld endured a disappointing home grand prix, but insists that he is still worthy of a shot at establishing himself in one of the sport's top team.

The German had to retire from his home race at Hockenheim after a mystery handling ailment made his car undriveable - and no doubt had him wishing that team boss Eddie Jordan had allowed him to test with the Williams-BMW team, as had been suggested. Heidfeld was given the opportunity to compete with Antonio Pizzonia for the vacancy alongside Juan Montoya, but Jordan refused to release his man unless he received some financial assistance for hiring a replacement. Hence, Pizzonia was able to score his first F1 points with seventh place, while Heidfeld watched the end of the race from the garage.

"I would really like to join Williams, it's very obvious," the Jordan driver had admitted to Reuters prior to his home race, "I think it would have been one of the biggest chances for me to prove that I am good enough, and give me a good opportunity for the future."

Heidfeld remains hopeful that Williams' interest will continue to the end of the year, when it has to fill to seats following the confirmed departures of Montoya and Ralf Schumacher. Although Mark Webber and Giancarlo Fisichella are tipped for the drives, some uncertainty remains over the exact line-up, with Heidfeld looking to at least be offered a test.

"It didn't work out [for this weekend], so we have to keep working for next year," he said, "I know they wanted me to do a test, and nobody knows what would have happened after that. I don't know how Williams would have played it for this race. For me it was only one test but I would have taken the chance whatever. Whoever I would have had to drive against, if he had been in the car five days and I would have only done half a day, it doesn't matter. [Williams] is a team that can win races, that tries to win the world championship - and if I have a chance to test there, I have to take the chance.

"I think I am good enough to deserve a top team."