2008 was probably the evidence people need to know that Nick Heidfeld is not a world class driver ...whether its his fault or not..the fact he struggled and the team decided rather to get him up to speed rather than back Kubica..now what team would take such a decision when your other driver is leading the championship...definitely not Ferrari , Mclaren or Red Bull at most they would offer equal opportunities and keep pushing in the position they were in I am afraid in F1 there is not a place for "a solid driver" unless you are happy to contend with picking up points rather than going for wins and podiums like Sauber but even Peter Sauber knew first time round know there was not much more to gain from him As for Heidfeld supposedly in contention with Mclaren and Mercedes for 2010..seats..I really think it was a bit of PR spin in that he was available..Mclaren or Martin Whitmarsh already stated he wanted world class drivers not solid drivers and the Mercedes seat...they were really after Schumacher all along.
Nick Heidfeld has taken the natural path for F1 drivers who couldn't quite hang on to their seats: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97246 Endurance racing in the Lola-Toyota LMP1 for Rebellion. I think he'll prove to be a fine Sportscar racer, much like McNish, Davidson, Gene & Wurz have proved before him - he has the temperament and mechanical sympathy that'll bring the beast home, instead of binning it in a do-or-die manoeuver at the first corner.
