Spending some time at home - Heidfeld

This weekend, the BMW Sauber F1 team is contesting its second race in a week. Due to these back-to-back races, the drivers have virtually no time for a break. Nonetheless, explains Nick, taking a breather is just as important for a Formula One driver as for any other sportsman.

Needless to say, Formula One drivers undergo extensive preparation programmes for every single World Championship round. "We've got a fitness schedule," explains Nick. "And it won't come as a surprise that relaxing isn't a top priority on the list. But even when working on your fitness, taking breaks also is vital. Should you opt for working at the very limit all the time, your fitness won't improve."

When Nick's tight schedule doesn't feature race preparations, tests, PR commitments or a GP weekend, the German's requirements for a 'wellness weekend' aren't too demanding. In his leisure time his family enjoys top priority. "I don't go right to the sauna or the whirlpool - although it's nice to do so," admits Nick. "But for me, spending some time at home, with my family, instead of being on the road is enough, first of all."