10/01/2005
NEWS STORY
Former F1 stars, Niki Lauda and Gerhard Berger, both Austrian, have given German Nick Heidfeld a public vote of confidence, as WilliamsF1 prepares for the tests that should decide who takes the second race seat.
On Friday, WilliamsF1 confirmed that both Heidfeld and Antonio Pizzonia will be with the team in 2005, however it is yet to be decided which one will line up on the grid alongside Mark Webber, and takes the position of third driver.
Three-time world champion Lauda, formerly boss at Jaguar Racing, and former Ferrari and McLaren star, Gerhard Berger, who also ran BMW Motorsport during the early days of the WilliamsF1 partnership, both favour 'quick Nick'.
"Most people underestimate Nick," Berger told Bild. "Up until now he's not had much chance to show what he can really do."
"If BMW make a good car, Heidfeld can become Germany's new number two," added Lauda. "Nick's only problem is that he always sells himself short. He must learn that sometimes you can open your mouth."