Question: What do you associate with this (Montreal) circuit?
Nick Heidfeld: I always associate with the city more than the circuit. For sure this time everything is different. It was the maiden win of the team and moreover it was a one-two finish. For a team can it get any better? Being on the podium with Robert (Kubica) and Mario (Theissen) it was a clear indication that we have arrived at the top. This weekend will stay in all our memories as something very, very special.
Question: What’s your exercise regime over a race weekend? Does it vary according to the race location, demands of the circuit etc?
Nick Heidfeld: It differs before the race weekend, but not during the weekend itself. For Montreal, it’s not that particular, but for other circuits we simulate the temperature conditions. For circuits where we race anti-clockwise, for example in Turkey and Brazil, we do a little bit more training.
Question: Are you able to entertain friends and family during a race weekend?
Nick Heidfeld: Unfortunately, not at all. They come and visit some races from time to time, but luckily they have known me and the business for such a long time that they know that I don’t have any time for them. If I do have some spare time then I definitely spend it with them.
Question: What’s the best night out you’ve had at a Grand Prix? And have you ever overslept the next morning?
Nick Heidfeld: In fact I did, but luckily it was a Monday. I had some fantastic nights in Monaco, and the best one in Japan, where I visited a karaoke bar and was singing until the morning.
Question: How do you like to spend the hour or so before the race? Any superstitions or pre-race rituals you always go through to bring you luck?
Nick Heidfeld: I don’t have a particular superstitions, but I have a routine that I always follow. Mostly it comes down to having a few moments by myself, to calm down, close my eyes and focus on the race and what might come. Also I go through one lap, corner by corner, thinking about strategies.
Question: How do you wind down after the race?
Nick Heidfeld: That is not very easy, as there are meetings with the engineers or, if everything goes well, the podium and interviews afterwards. So it is quite hard to find some time to wind down, especially when you travel home on the Sunday too. Sometimes the relaxing phase already starts on the slowing-down lap, as you go back to the pits.
Question: If things don’t go your way and you retire early, do you prefer to get away as soon as possible, or hang out and watch the rest of the race?
Nick Heidfeld: Quite often I would like to leave as early as possible, because it is not very enjoyable to see the others racing. If you had a contact with another car, then you have to wait, as you might have to go to the stewards.
| 
|