Heidfeld is surprised by the decision made by BMW

The BMW team officially announced its withdrawal from the Formula 1 World Championship on Wednesday morning during a press conference in Munich (Germany). The team leaves behind two factories and two drivers. No one was aware of the decision, and according to Heidfeld, it was not foreseeable.

After the press conference, Heidfeld was the first to react, stating that he did not expect such a decision and that he was the first to be surprised. BMW will leave the premier class of motorsports at the end of 2009.

« BMW’s decision was completely unexpected. I am the first to be sorry, on one hand for the team members but also for those working in the factories. I have been honored to have worked with them in recent years. » commented the German.

Nick Heidfeld has been driving for BMW since the 2006 season and the acquisition of the Sauber team by the German brand.

« I would like to thank each of them for their work, for their support, and for everything we were able to achieve together, in both Munich and Hinwil [Switzerland]. »

At 32, Heidfeld could come to terms with it, but he continues to believe in Formula 1. He doesn’t want to hear about retirement and is beginning negotiations with other teams on the grid: « I won’t lose track of my ambitions. I want to reach the highest levels of F1. I will already do my best with the team to ensure we finish the season on a good level. And as high as possible. In parallel, I will negotiate with teams to find a spot for 2010, despite the circumstances… »