Heidfeld: uncertain future

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• Nick Heidfeld
• Robert Kubica

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Nick Heidfeld's future with BMW has once again been thrown into doubt after Mario Theissen urged him to up his game or risk not getting a new contract.

Heidfeld has been outperformed by less experienced team-mate Robert Kubica, who was the one to bag BMW's maiden pole position as well as the German outfit's maiden grand prix win.

Qualifying has been a problem for Heidfeld - he has lost out one to 11 against Kubica, which in turn is impacting his race results. After 12 events he trails Kubica by 14 points in the drivers' standings.

When asked if Heidfeld would be retained next season, team boss Theissen told Autosport: "I am not sure. What we saw in Valencia was mixed again and, in the second run in qualifying two, it was almost a perfect lap.

"He was struggling before in two specific areas of the track and in that one lap he was able to do that very cleanly.

"I hope it gives him the confidence to be strong again in the races, he has been strong, I think he will be back on track."

While Heidfeld has only a few grands prix to prove himself to the team boss, Kubica will reportedly be confirmed as a 2009 BMW driver within the next few days.