Heidfeld changes his mind about Bahrain

Jordan's Nick Heidfeld was not terribly impressed when he first saw a map of the new Bahrain track, but having seen it firsthand in the run up to the race, the German has changed his mind. Everyone was out and about on the circuit on Thursday, eager to familiarize themselves with the new challenge, and Heidfeld decided, in his understated way, that it was 'very nice'.

Nick Heidfeld.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"When I first looked at the map of this circuit, I didn't think much of it," he said, according to the Jordan website. "I was wrong. It looks very nice, except that there are a few too many slow corners. But, as there is very little overtaking in F1, the track was probably designed to create more passing opportunities."

"But there is a downhill "Esses" section that seems interesting and challenging. Of course it might all look completely different tomorrow when I'm sitting in the car."

"Although the surface is not as dirty with sand as I had expected, it is odd not to see any grass. Also, with most of the run-off areas made of tarmac and plenty of concrete around, there are not many natural markers and it will be hard for the first few laps to get your bearings"

"But it's the same for everyone. Personally, I would prefer to see more gravel traps than tarmac run-off areas, as I believe you should be penalised if you make a driving error, but from a safety point of view, it looks very good."

Heidfeld has yet to finish a race with Jordan so far, but hopes to rectify that this weekend. "I know the team have been working really hard to sort out the technical problems I have experienced and my target for this race is to finish, and maintain the pace that I have been able to find so far," he commented.