By BMW Sauber F1
March 4 2009

On Wednesday, Nick Heidfeld continued the BMW Sauber F1 Team test programme, which was affected by strong winds in the afternoon. Nick's fastest lap of the 4.428-kilometre track was clocked in 1:20.520 minutes.

Weather conditions: Overcast all day, strong winds in the afternoon. Temperature: Air: 11 - 19 °C, Track: 11 - 21 °C

Number of drivers participating: 8 from 8 teams Fastest lap overall: Fernando Alonso (Renault) 1:19.945 min Circuit length: 4.428 km

Nick Heidfeld Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.09-03 / BMW 86/9 Test kilometres today: 439 (99 laps) Fastest lap: 1:20.520 min

Programme: Today's work for Nick Heidfeld started with the mechanical set-up of the BMW Sauber F1.09. He also did a so-called 'run-out of fuel run' which resulted in him stopping out on the track. This standard procedure allows the engineers to compare telemetry readings with the car's actual fuel level. After the lunch break Heidfeld's main focus switched to tyres and brakes. He also did a couple of race start simulations completing a total of 99 laps.

"The strong wind affected today's work a little bit", Heidfeld said. "Nevertheless I was able to work with various tyre compounds and try a lot of different solutions for the car's set-up. That gives me a good base to work on tomorrow."

What comes next: Tomorrow Nick Heidfeld will conclude the BMW Sauber F1 Team's four day test at Jerez.