By GMM
BMW-Sauber team boss Mario Theissen has dismissed suggestions that the German squad is contemplating replacing the struggling Nick Heidfeld sooner rather than later.
Heidfeld, 31, is believed to have a contract for the 2009 season, but his difficulty in keeping up with Robert Kubica this year has thrown his future into doubt.
He finished a miserable thirteenth in the French grand prix at the weekend, but as to rumours of a seat switch before the end of the season, Theissen said that is "currently not an issue".
Waiting anxiously in the wings, however, is the ever-present test and reserve driver Christian Klien, who was asked by motorline.cc to comment on Heidfeld's predicament.
"If your teammate is always faster in qualifying than you, then it is obvious that there is a certain amount of pressure.
"But he has certainly not forgotten how to drive and I am sure he will get a grip on it."
Theissen said the driver decision for 2009 is some way off yet.
"We will decide in the summer, probably in the second half of August," he said. "But it could also happen sooner or later.
"The situation is not easy for Nick because he must try to get at the same level as Robert, but at the moment he (Kubica) is quick in every situation."
Theissen said of Heidfeld: "We have given him much support over the past weeks."
BMW-Sauber team boss Mario Theissen has dismissed suggestions that the German squad is contemplating replacing the struggling Nick Heidfeld sooner rather than later.
Heidfeld, 31, is believed to have a contract for the 2009 season, but his difficulty in keeping up with Robert Kubica this year has thrown his future into doubt.
He finished a miserable thirteenth in the French grand prix at the weekend, but as to rumours of a seat switch before the end of the season, Theissen said that is "currently not an issue".
Waiting anxiously in the wings, however, is the ever-present test and reserve driver Christian Klien, who was asked by motorline.cc to comment on Heidfeld's predicament.
"If your teammate is always faster in qualifying than you, then it is obvious that there is a certain amount of pressure.
"But he has certainly not forgotten how to drive and I am sure he will get a grip on it."
Theissen said the driver decision for 2009 is some way off yet.
"We will decide in the summer, probably in the second half of August," he said. "But it could also happen sooner or later.
"The situation is not easy for Nick because he must try to get at the same level as Robert, but at the moment he (Kubica) is quick in every situation."
Theissen said of Heidfeld: "We have given him much support over the past weeks."