Heidfeld aims to improve

BMW driver keen to enjoy home comforts at German GP

Last updated: 4th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Heidfeld aims to improve

Heidfeld: happy childhood memories of Nürburgring

I have many happy memories of the Nürburgring. I went there a lot with my parents when I was a child and the 'Ring is only an hour away from my home town of Mönchengladbach.

Nick Heidfeld
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Nick Heidfeld is desperately hoping that his home race, the German GP, marks a sharp turnaround in BMW's 2009 form.

The team, who finished third in last year's constructors' championship claiming their debut victory on the way, have found themselves lapping in midfield this season as both Heidfeld and Robert Kubica have struggled to perform during qualifying, putting them on the back foot in the races.

The two drivers have claimed just eight points between them in the first half of the campaign. Heidfeld, though, is hoping the second half sees a better showing from BMW.

"It goes without saying that our verdict on the season at the half-way point is anything but positive," he said.

"Especially when you compare our results so far with our aims going into the season. Of course I hope we will make improvements, and that's what everybody in the team is working to achieve."

The German is now eagerly anticipating his home race, which takes place at the Nurburgring, in the hope that fan support and memories of past success can carry him to greater heights.

"A lot of fans and fan club members traditionally come to my home race," he added.

"That is something I really enjoy and it gives me an extra shot of motivation.

Special

"I will once again be lining up for my home race with a special helmet design. This year it has been created by a fan on my website, and he will present me with the helmet before the start of practice on Friday.

"I have many happy memories of the Nürburgring. I went there a lot with my parents when I was a child and the 'Ring is only an hour away from my home town of Mönchengladbach.

"In winter we went sledging on the Hohe Acht slopes, I learnt to ride a bicycle at the Nürburgring and this was also where I sat in a kart for the first time - with a tyre and a blanket wedged behind my back so that I could reach the pedals.

"Since then I've competed in races at the 'Ring in Formula Ford, Formula 3 and Formula 3000 and celebrated many victories there. My best Nürburgring result in Formula One was in 2005 when I took pole position and finished second in the race itself.

"For me, the Nordschleife is the most sensational race track in the world. In April 2007 I drove our Formula One car on the circuit, which was just brilliant!

"It was amazing to turn off the grand prix course onto the Nordschleife and drive along this huge race track all alone in front of all those people."