There are just over two weeks to go before the start of the 2008 Formula One World Championship, and the BMW Sauber F1 Team has been preparing for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 16th March with tests in Valencia, Jerez and Barcelona. Here driver Nick Heidfeld talks about the recent winter break and their expectations for the BMW Sauber F1 Team’s third season on the grid.

Did you enjoy the winter break?

I’m pleased to say the winter break was not actually that long thanks to the regular testing we’ve been doing. And in between times I’ve been getting through some intensive fitness training. I’ve got a small studio at home where I can do special exercises aimed at building up the muscles in the neck, arms and torso. I managed to spend some time with my family over Christmas and the New Year, which I really enjoyed, of course.

Coming out of the winter break, how hard is it to motivate yourself again for testing ahead of the new season?

As far as I’m concerned, the winter break could have even been a bit shorter. I love being in the car and look forward to every opportunity to drive it. All in all, I would prefer it if we tested less and raced more often. Almost five months without a race is just too long, if you ask me.

With winter testing complete, how do you see things shaping up?

Even for us as drivers it has been a long time since it was this difficult to say how the F1 teams stand against each other. The testing results of the big teams have simply been too variable to form an opinion. As for us, we have made huge progress since the roll-out in Valencia.

How has the absence of traction control and engine braking control affected you?

All the drivers have been really keen to find out how the latest Formula One cars react without traction control, and we have all adapted our driving style accordingly – after all that’s part of our job. I also had the opportunity to try the car out in the wet in testing. I have to say that it was really fun to drive without traction control. The challenge for the drivers is greater, and that’s the way I like it.

In what ways does your teammate get on your nerves?

When he’s quicker than me. But that’s obvious, isn’t it?

What personal aims have you set yourselves for 2008?

I’m aiming to squeeze the maximum from both myself and the BMW Sauber F1.08, to minimise mistakes and to keep on developing as a driver.

The first night race in F1 history does not take place until September (in Singapore), but the idea has already been floated of holding further races in the dark. What do you think of this possibility?

I’m generally a fan of all things new, so I can’t wait to see how it all works in Singapore and what the atmosphere is like. The plan is to use artificial light to BMW Sauber F1Team illuminate the race track as if it were daylight. So there is no comparison with the Le Mans 24-hour race, where I once drove in the dark.

And looking ahead to Melbourne…

The opening race of the season is always something special. I like the Melbourne circuit, as it has a character very much of its own – a cross between a street circuit and a permanent race track. As the circuit is not constantly used for racing, grip levels are extremely low particularly during the initial practice sessions. With no traction control or engine braking control it will certainly be a big challenge. Added to which, the weather has sometimes come up with the odd surprise in the past. For me, there is the extra attraction that Australia is my favourite travel destination, and I’ll have a couple of days’ holiday there before the race. Basically, I’m just really looking forward to the season finally getting underway.