Heidfeld estimates he is not in danger

After another disappointing German Grand Prix, Eric Boullier had stated about Nick Heidfeld: “It is clearly a disappointment. He has not brought the leadership we wanted. He has not taken the lead in the team, and today, we rely more on Vitaly for performance and on Nick for development.” This statement was closely followed by the announcement of the temporary replacement of the German driver by Bruno Senna for the first free practice session of the Hungarian GP.

Highly criticized in recent races for his lack of consistency and inability to act as a number 1 driver, Heidfeld’s seat appears weakened on the Enstone side. A disenchantment that Quick Nick wants to temper: “I’m happy with where I am with the team. I think we all get along well.”

Bruno is lucky to be able to drive here, and I think Eric said that Grosjean is doing a good job in GP2, but that doesn’t mean he will take my place. Promoted to official Lotus Renault GP driver at the start of the season, following the accident Robert Kubica suffered during a rally in Italy, Nick Heidfeld was preferred to the home drivers mainly because of his experience.

The native of Mönchengladbach is optimistic about his short and medium-term future. « I don’t think the season has been perfect so far, but I think it’s been good and certainly good enough to be in the running for a place next year […] I will obviously continue to fight and try to give my best, and we’ll see what happens ».

As a reminder, Nick Heidfeld is in 8th place in the driver standings with 34 points scored in ten races, while Vitaly Petrov is in 9th position with 32 points. Lotus Renault GP is 5th in the constructors’ standings.