Heidfeld extension a ‘formality’ – Sauber

(GMM) Nick Heidfeld is likely to be handed a new contract to race for the BMW-Sauber team beyond 2007.

That is the revelation of the Swiss based outfit's founder Peter Sauber, who no longer maintains an office at Hinwil but is a consultant for the team's current owners BMW and its main sponsors.

"The extension of Nick's contract is, in my opinion, only a formality," Sauber said, adding that he has been impressed with Heidfeld's shining form alongside Robert Kubica so far this season.

Sauber insisted: "With his recent achievements in mind, we must have Nick continuing with us."

Former grand prix driver Hans-Joachim Stuck, meanwhile, said he would put a few dollars on 30-year-old Heidfeld delivering BMW-Sauber's maiden win in Monte Carlo this weekend.

"Nick likes Monaco," Stuck is quoted as saying by the news agency 'sid'. "You shouldn't count anything out."

After arriving in the Principality on Wednesday, Heidfeld agreed that his victory chances are "higher" in Monaco than at other races.

He said in Monaco: "With our own performance alone we are not quite ready to win — but anything can happen here."