Heidfeld: I am with BMW.
German insists that his future is already settled, despite persistent suggestions that he could be ideal foil to Lewis Hamilton.
Nick Heidfeld refused to be drawn on the fact that his name has been mentioned in connection with a move to McLaren next season, insisting that he was bound to BMW.
The German team recently confirmed both Heidfeld and Robert Kubica in its line-up for 2008 - continuity that team boss Mario Theissen told Crash.net was vital for the team's push to the front - but Heidfeld continues to be mentioned as a possible partner to Lewis Hamilton next season.
While such a tie-up would be somewhat ironic given that the German, like Hamilton a McLaren prot?g? in his formative years, was passed over in favour of Kimi Raikkonen in 2002, Heidfeld is seen as an ideal team-mate after the internal furore of the past season. He denies that he is a candidate, however.
"I signed [with BMW Sauber] mid-season and I hope that we will beat [McLaren] next year, although it will not be easy," he told Crash.net while visiting the FBMW World Finals in Valencia, "Officially, I am contracted with BMW for next season and, unfortunately, there is not a lot more to tell you."
Unlike some of his rivals, Heidfeld appears to acknowledge that he may not always be quickest in a team, but insists that that only spurs him on.
"Usually in F1, you have quick team-mates, otherwise they would not be there," he smiled, referring to current BMW partner Kubica, "It's definitely more enjoyable - you need the competition."
