Heidfeld makes a point in Barcelona

Nick Heidfeld (foreground) shows the way to a valuable point for the Sauber-Petronas team Keystone

Nick Heidfeld has gained another point for Switzerland's Sauber-Petronas racing team at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

Heidfeld ended the race in sixth place, just behind McLaren’s David Coulthard, while Sauber-Petronas team-mate Kimi Raikkonnen finished not far behind taking eighth position.

The results mean Sauber now lie fifth in the constructors’ championship with nine points, behind Jordan with thirteen points.

Heidfeld had not been expected to perform well in Spain after a disappointing start on Saturday when a problem with his own car forced him to change vehicles for the qualifying race.

But the German seemed satisfied with his performance when it counted on the day itself. “I really enjoyed racing with David Coulthard,” he said, “but I wish I could have stayed in front of him. Still, it’s good to score another point today.”

Raikkonen found it harder to put a positive spin on his own result. “My start was pretty good, but then I lost out a bit going down to the first corner,” he admitted, “so for me it was a difficult race.”

World champion Michael Schumacher stole a sensational last-minute victory when the engine on leader Mika Hakkinen’s McLaren blew up on the final lap of the race.

Schumacher, who has now notched up his third victory of the season and the 47th of his career, leads the drivers’ championship with 36 points, while David Coulthard is second on 28.

Heidfeld, currently lying fifth on eight points, will be looking to build on his success in Barcelona at the next Formula One meeting in Austria on May 13th.

swissinfo with agencies