BMW Sauber have confirmed that they are retaining both Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica for the 2009 season, with Christian Klien staying as their test driver.

“We see Nick and Robert as a strong driver pairing and Christian as an experienced test driver,” Mario Theissen explained. “We are in no doubt that we will again achieve our ambitious aims with them in the team’s fourth year.”

Nick Heidfeld sent a stark reminder to his BMW employees that he is still every bit a threat to the front-runners after planting his car on the third row of the grid in Spa, keeping McLaren firmly in his sights.

Nick Heidfeld his hoping that the Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve, home to his stunning second place last year, will once again be kind to him as he seeks to rejuvenate his 2008 season after a difficult few races.

Ncik Heidfeld is expected to be given a new contract to stay with the BMW Sauber team beyond the 2007 season according to Peter Sauber, one of the founders of the team. Although no longer based at the Hinwil site, he remains a consultant to the BMW team.

Yesterday, Germany’s Nick Heidfeld accomplished a childhood dream, completing three laps of the famous Nordschleife in a modified BMW F1.06. A crowd of over forty-five thousand lined the 20.8 kilometre racetrack to watch a F1 car take part in an organised event at the circuit for the first time in 31 years.

The BMW Sauber team have admitted that they are reviewing the policy of running test drivers on Friday practice on race weekends. At the first two race weekends of the season, Sebastien Vettel was seen at the wheel of the car during the opening practice sessions, however drivers Heidfeld and Kubica felt the loss of mileage was harmful to their race preparations.

Nick Heidfeld has risen above the insult thrown at him by aToyota boss, John Howett, by refusing to respond. Howett stated that he felt Heidfeld belongs no higher in F1 than the “upper midfield” and that “with him, we would not improve.”

Nick Heidfeld is hoping for a new contract from BMW-Sauber and would rather it be resolved as soon as possible. The German, who finished 4th in Australia and Malaysia, wishes contract talks to be discussed.

“The earlier (a contract is agreed) the better and I think I am in a good position.

Nick Heidfeld is the first of the Formula One field to arrive in Australia, nearly two weeks ahead of the Melbourne Grand Prix. BMW’s driver said he had made the trip early to allow himself time to adjust to the climate and time difference.

BMW driver Nick Heidfeld has played down claims that he and teammate Robert Kubica are outside bets to win the 2007 F1 title. The BMW’s speed has impressed in testing so far, although is not the most reliable so far. Massa and Berger have both insisted they believe that BMW could be a match for Ferrari and McLaren.