Cash problem stopped Heidfeld Williams test

Money disputes put a stop to Nick Heidfeld testing for Williams recently because Williams would not cover Jordan's costs to find another driver. Heidfeld has been linked with a move to Williams next season and was reportedly scheduled to test for the team at Jerez last week. However, when Williams refused to supplement Jordan's finances, Eddie Jordan stopped the test.

Nick Heidfeld.

Photo by Jordan Grand Prix.

"I have always maintained that I want to help Nick get a top drive and I will stay true to my word, but I also have to protect the interests of Jordan," said the Irishman, according to Autosport. "If one of our drivers were to test elsewhere, Jordan would have had 24 hours to find a new driver and test him for three days with all the costs that would involve."

"All I asked Williams was for those costs to be covered. I never sought a profit from this, only to cover the losses we would have to repay, for example, for extra engine mileage with a new driver."

In addition to the money wrangles, Jordan believes Williams was not seriously considering Heidfeld anyway. "I think this reveals they were just playing with Nick," he said. "It looked like they didn't want to commit to him, but they wanted to use him for a test and maybe a handful of races for their own gain."

Mark Webber is widely considered to be filling one of the vacancies at Williams next year. Some thought the Jaguar driver might join Williams this summer as Ralf Schumacher continues to be out of action. However, with Antonio Pizzonia racing for Williams at Hockenheim this weekend, the team has used up its allowance of four race drivers per year.