Q & A: Nick Heidfeld

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Q & A: Nick Heidfeld

Tuesday February 01 2005

Nick Heidfeld, who Williams announced on Monday would be their second driver for 2005, talks about life as an F1 driver...

Q: What does the term 'challenge' mean to you regarding your profession as a race driver? Nick Heidfeld: Formula One generally represents an extraordinary challenge. From my point of view, problems don't exist, even if other people may call something a problems. I rather regard these 'problems' as challenges.

Q: Have you ever been afraid while driving a race car?

NH: Not while normally driving on a track. Furthermore this would turn out to be a disadvantage. But I have to admit that I have felt fear in the seconds before hitting something after having spun.

Q: What gives you pleasure in your life?

NH: In the first instance, I love sitting in a car's c##Kpit and of course driving it. That's the main reason why I'm contesting Formula One races. Should I ever stop enjoying motor racing I would retire at once.

Q: Who is the first person you talk to after a race?

NH: Usually my girlfriend Patricia, who accompanies me to most of the GP's.

Q: What was the strangest on-track situation you ever experienced?

NH: Definitely in Brazil, after the first chicane, when I suddenly found the medical car in front of me. I went left and just about managed to avoid it.

Q: How do you assess the importance of teamwork, in your profession?

NH: It's crucial; far more important than it may seem to outsiders. It's true, at the end of the day it's the driver that has to deliver. But if the team behind him doesn't 'fit' you can just forget it.

Q: What does it mean to you to have the chance of driving for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team?

NH: This is a fantastic chance. Most definitely the BMW WilliamsF1 Team is the most successful and professional team I have driven for, so far. And I'll give my very, very best to come up to the team's expectations.