Rejuvenated Heidfeld is back on track with Sauber

Nick Heidfeld appears likely to be retained by BMW Sauber for next season after finally starting to show his true form.

Heidfeld's future was the cause of considerable speculation just a few weeks ago following a wretched start to the campaign.

The German has primarily struggled in qualifying which has led to a lowly grid position followed by a tough race and poor points haul.

But in the last four races Heidfeld has picked up more points than any other driver, 21 compared to the 20 collected by Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa.

Although Heidfeld refuses to discuss his contract situation, when asked whether he was relaxed about his future, he replied: "Yes. I am now.

"I had some problems, but we've turned things around.

"The backing I've had during these weeks from the team has been very good.

"To know they stand behind me has helped me because I have worked hard with the engineers to overcome the problems and it has worked.

"Things have changed a lot, probably since Canada. Although I still had qualifying problems there, I had good race pace and could have won.

"Since then, qualifying has been better, apart from at Hockenheim where I made a mistake.

"But over the weekend the result was good and without the mistake I would have made it into the top 10. "I did the fastest race lap again, like earlier in the season in Malaysia, and I have had two second places in four races."

A change in set-up and driving style have played their part, and now Heidfeld is within seven points of team-mate Robert Kubica, who led the championship just three races ago.