Heidfeld can be World Champion - Theissen

In the 2007 Formula One season opener, the Australian Grand Prix, Nick Heidfeld finished fourth, thus being the most successful German driver. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen thinks the 29-year-old is progressing well and will be able to do even better, in the future.

"Nick is a driver who can be World Champion," Theissen told the German media. "He most definitely has what is needed to win the title." According to the BMW Motorsport Director, the BMW Sauber F1 Team wants to be factor in the battle for both the drivers' and constructors' titles in two years time. "At the end of 2007, we will have achieved our scheduled manning level, and the extension of the Hinwil factory will also be complete. In 2008, we want to be able to win races and in 2009, we want to have achieved the level of competitiveness that will allow us to battle for the World Championship titles."

While Nick is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, his team-mates, Robert Kubica, Sebastian Vettel and Timo Glock, are regarded as some of the most promising Formula One young guns. Therefore, Theissen believes the BMW Sauber F1 Team to be well-armed for the World Championship project, when it comes to its driver line-up. "I'm of the opinion that the top driver we need to win the World Championship is already a member of our team," Theissen concludes.