Fantastic atmosphere in Barcelona - Heidfeld

This coming weekend, the 2008 Formula One season kicks off its European leg in Barcelona. BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Nick Heidfeld explains why the Spanish Grand Prix is special for him. "The Spanish Grand Prix has its own special ambience because the stands are now regularly packed to the rafters", says Nick. "The fans ensure a brilliant atmosphere, which we as drivers pick up on to some extent as well."

The "Circuit de Catalunya" is a popular test circuit. Nick also knows the 4.655km track on the Mediterranean like the back of his hand after completing countless test laps there. However, there is not a trace of tedium. "It has often been the case that a set-up determined during testing was no longer the right one for the race weekend. That could be due to the weather or to the condition of the track, which naturally accumulates much more rubber deposits over a Grand Prix weekend than during testing", says Nick.

Last week the BMW Sauber F1 Team spent four days testing on the outskirts of Barcelona, and has prepared intensively for the fourth race of the year. Nick is hoping for another improved performance in Spain. "I'm also very keen to see whether we have made more progress with our new developments than the competition", says Heidfeld. "At any rate, I'm confident that we will be just as strong as in Australia, Malaysia and Bahrain."