Heidfeld and Corser switch seats for a day

32-year old Nick Heidfeld was exhilarated with the whole experience of straddling a 200 plus bhp BMW WSB S 1000RR around the Nurburgring circuit. The German Formula One driver seemed extremely impressed by the racebike and by the end of the day was already scraping the knee sliders on his riding suit. The agilie nature of the race-spec BMW S 1000RR and the brakes totally impressed the German, as  he as heard saying, "I had expected the Superbike to be a huge leap over the production version, a bit like series cars and racers, but I was surprised in the end. The difference is huge. On the one hand the Superbike is more aggressive, builds up more grip and has the superior brakes, but on the other hand it is easier to ride because you can control it so well. The handling is very precise. Obviously I'm still miles from the limit with the superbike; I would love to have done a lot more laps."

The experience was equally reveling for 37-year old two times World Superbike World Champion Troy Corser who got behind the wheel of the 700 odd horse-powered BMW Formula One racecar for the first time in his life. The one thing that truly stumped the Australian was freedom offered by the Formula One carecar to late brake into corners. During the post-event interview Corser commented, "I can't believe how hard and late you can brake. I know I was braking too early and I really would like to have a day or two with the car to really see what I can do with it. I'd like to thank everybody involved for giving me this opportunity - and I hope I can do it again."

While Heidfeld was busy straddling the S 1000RR race-bike, his team-mate Robert Kubica drove the BM F1 racecar around the short loop of Nurburgring. Corser's team-mate and second rider for BMW WSB team, Ruben Xaus drove the BMW's 320Si WTCC touring car around the circuit of Nurburgring. The 31-year old Spaniard enjoyed driving the touring car around the circuit and he too had exact sentiments like that of his team-mate, Corser, about the car's late braking advantage over a bike. Hoever, Xaus also admitted that he prefers riding a motorcycle because it truly makes him feel free.

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It was quite an eventful day as apart from presence of the top motorsport personalities, BMW's WTCC drivers Augusto Farfus, Jorg Muller and Sergio Hernandez along with Nurburgring expert Caludia Hurtgen, drive the guests around the circuit in BMW M3 and Formula BMW cars. Some lucky fans also got a chance to drive these cars around the legendary circuit.

Present at the occassion, BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen, said, "Above all in these difficult times, we are indebted to our partners and fans," Theissen stressed, "and it's really good to feel this support. It's easy to accept the accolades, and we've had plenty of them over recent years. But we must not let the dialogue falter when things get tough."