Heidfeld a Williams contender?

Ever since it was announced that Juan Pablo Montoya was moving to McLaren for 2005, the speculation about who would replace him at Williams has been ever ongoing. Names such as Jenson Button and Mark Webber have often been mentioned but Eddie Jordan is convinced that Williams needs a German driver. And the team boss just happens to have one whom he thinks would fit the bill: Nick Heidfeld.

Nick Heidfeld.

Photo by Dave Dyer.

Jordan is campaigning for the Grove squad to seriously consider Heidfeld: "I think Nick would be a brilliant choice," he said, according to Reuters. "If Williams lose both its drivers, which now looks likely, Nick would be a perfect guy. He's a consummate professional and I'd be very happy for us to get him in there. They'd be crazy not to be talking to him."

Heidfeld was sorely disappointed when McLaren opted for then-teammate Kimi Raikkonen to replace Mika Hakkinen and the German has since been struggling in F1. Sauber decided to go for a new driver line up in 2004, dispensing with Heidfeld and Heinz-Harald Frentzen in favour of Felipe Massa and Giancarlo Fisichella.

Heidfeld moved to Jordan for this season but recent speculation suggests his seat is not guaranteed. Jos Verstappen is due to test for the team at the beginning of June and while Jordan claims no conclusions should be drawn from that, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Dutchman replace either Heidfeld or Giorgio Pantano.

Jordan has denied that Verstappen is being lined up to race for the team, saying he is only hoping to get Jos some attention. "I believe Jos has a future in Formula One and I hope that this test will be positive and helpful in some way with regards to that future," he commented.

Williams could well part company with Ralf Schumacher as well as Montoya at the end of this year, leaving two empty seats. Button and Webber may be favourites but both are contracted beyond next season -- Heidfeld is talented and inexpensive and surely deserves consideration.