Needless to say, that was because the German is to replace his former teammate at BMW Sauber, Robert Kubica, who suffered a rally crash a few weeks back and will be unable to resume racing for the 2011 campaign of F1. Despite the delicate situation he found himself into, the German admitted however that the opportunity was too good to miss.
“I did some intensive soul searching - probably more intensive than most others would have done - and now I would say that I have cleared the situation for myself,” said Heidfeld in a recent interview with Formula 1's official website.
“It was not my fault what happened to Robert and I truly wish he'll be back soon - that is one side. The other is that I had to grab the opportunity and feel happy to be driving again.”
During the Jerez group test a couple of weeks back, Heidfeld impressed everyone at his first outing with the Renault R31 and topped the timing reports in Day 3 of that meeting, making it an easier choice for the Enstone based team.
“(...) This chance came completely out of the blue. At the start of it there was definitely the emotional need to get my head clear because there was the emotional strain of coping with Robert's accident while knowing that this could be a chance for me.”
“It was not an easy situation, but I had to take the chance that came my way. In my long years in Formula 1 I have made my own experiences. I only started to believe that I am in again when the ink on the contract had dried. Sure, I felt happy because it was so unexpected.”
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