BMW drivers aim to prolong F1 careers

(GMM) Mario Theissen insists the withdrawal of BMW at the end of the year will not also end the formula one careers of the team's current race drivers.

"Robert (Kubica) and Nick (Heidfeld) are fast, ambitious and experienced. They will strengthen any team and will be at the start next season," the team boss told the German news agency DPA.

Pole Kubica is being linked with a move to Renault to replace the seemingly Ferrari-bound Fernando Alonso, while Germany's Sport Bild said Le Mans or DTM might be options for the 32-year-old Heidfeld.

But German Heidfeld told DPA he was already in talks with other F1 teams prior to BMW's withdrawal announcement.

"My experience helps me, of course," he said. "After ten years I have a great deal of knowledge and technical know-how.

"Apart from the fact that I have beaten top drivers such as Raikkonen, Massa and Webber as teammates, it is now important to put in good performances in the next races.

"In formula one every grand prix is a job application," Heidfeld added.