Heidfeld downplays floor significance

[davewilson]

BMW Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld has said that the FIA's clampdown on moveable floors for the grand prix in Malaysia will not affect the performance of his team or Ferrari, at the centre of the controversy.

The bodywork tests modified by the governing body FIA have now prevented the floors under seats from lowering at speed, giving the pair advantage on the straights.

"I don't expect any issues with us," Heidfeld told Autosport. "I don't expect any big change for anyone, including Ferrari. They are one and a half second quicker than anyone, and changing the floor does not take that away."

The teams performed impressively alongside McLaren in the opening GP in Australia; Heidfeld does not expect anything different this weekend.

"I think the picture will be very similar, because what we saw in Melbourne was roughly what I had expected after several tests in Spain. Ferrari was quickest everywhere, but from very early on McLaren looked as though they would dominate.

"But in fact the Ferraris were always in front, then McLaren behind and then us."

The Stig