Nick Heidfeld believes BMW Sauber have the potential to match Ferrari’s race pace in coming races after his team proved the world champions’ closest challengers for the second Grand Prix in succession in Bahrain last weekend.

Whilst team mate Robert Kubica finished third having started from pole, Heidfeld improved two places on his grid position to come home fourth, further proof that BMW Sauber seem to have the measure of McLaren and are closing in on Ferrari.

“My start was good but then Jarno Trulli managed to get past me,” explained Heidfeld on his official website. “At the beginning of the second lap I had the chance to take it back, which I enjoyed. One lap later I overtook Heikki Kovalainen which was even better. We were faster than McLaren Mercedes. Only the Ferraris were superior to us, but also they are within reach.”

Heidfeld now heads to the Spanish Grand Prix just three points off leader Kimi Raikkonen in the driver table, and with BMW heading Ferrari at the top of the team standings. On top of that, next week’s Barcelona test should allow the team to realise more performance gains ahead of the race on April 27.

“I am second in the drivers standings now and I am really proud that my team is leading the constructors championship,” added the German. “I am also pretty sure that during the next three weeks our teams in Hinwil and Munich will continue to improve our car.”

Heidfeld qualified seventh in Spain last year, but went on to retire with gearbox problems. Kubica finished fourth behind the Ferrari of victor Felipe Massa and the McLarens of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

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