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It waould be terrific for Heidfeld if he were to be offered the McLaren seat-but it just isn't going to happen. Though it is too early to say for sure, it seems likely that Couythard will remain and as many, including John Watson have said, Kimi is the future.
That said, Heidfeld is very much the equal of Raikkonen on a fast lap and much better over race distance. He is also a great test driver and unfortunately, that at role is very capabably served by the underrated Alex Wurz at the moment.
Sauber, as good as they have been, will never be a top rank team as long as they are getting customer Ferraris-its last year's spec and you can bet your anorak that Maranello would NEVER let a Sauber finish ahead of a Ferrari.
Heidfeld's best opportunity lies with a team that is building. Logicly, that team is TOYOTA for the following reasons.
1) The team is located in Gremany, quite close to Heidfeld's home town of Munchengladbach.
2) Salo has readily admitted that next year will likely be his last. Every team wants continuity from at least one of their drivers, if Nick were to jump now, he be well piosed for 2004. Salo would drive 2002-2003, and nick could make the transition for 2003-2004. Allowing Fukada to jion in 2004 if he's ready.
3) TOYOTA have gobs of money, are ready to spend it and are in for the long haul.
4) TOYOTA have put some really fine people into place and seem to be on the right track. This years car is a bit conservaetive-next year will be their opportunity to iron the bugs out and in 2004 Nick could lead a serious charge.
Its a compelling argument and I think it points to the mid part of the decade being a battle among Montoya, Heidfeld, Raikkonen and Alonso.
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