BMW Sauber see no reason why Nick Heidfeld should not stay at the Formula One team next year but any new deal is likely to be months away, team boss Mario Theissen said on Friday.

"Nick is right at the top of his game," Theissen said of the German, who has finished fourth in all three grands prix so far this year, in an interview released by the Swiss-based team.

"He has done everything we could ask of him," he added.

"Both Nick and the team are currently delivering outstanding performances and are working really well together. So from that angle, there is no reason for either of us to be looking elsewhere for alternatives.

"At the same time, though, there's no rush to sort things out," said Theissen. "We are speaking with Nick, of course, but we won't be giving any progress reports. We will make a decision before the end of the season and then announce that decision in due course."

Heidfeld, now in his second season at BMW after previous spells at Williams, Jordan, Sauber and now-defunct Prost, told reporters at the Bahrain Grand Prix last weekend that he wanted a quick decision on his future.

"I don't want to wait too long," he told reporters. "The earlier the better and I think I am in a good position."

BMW have German youngster Sebastian Vettel, who made a big impression last year as a test driver, waiting in the wings while Poland's Robert Kubica looks likely to be retained after a strong debut last year.

Heidfeld has also been linked to Cologne-based Toyota, who have yet to confirm compatriot Ralf Schumacher's future with them after this year.

BMW Sauber would clearly be Heidfeld's preferred choice, with that team currently third in the standings and challenging Ferrari and McLaren. Heidfeld overtook McLaren's double champion Fernando Alonso in Bahrain.

"We have established ourselves firmly as the third-strongest team on the grid, exceeding our expectations," said Theissen.

"We made an excellent start to the season but we need to remain realistic. As things stand, there is still a gap between us and Ferrari and McLaren.

"Our primary aim is to secure some podium finishes but winning our first race is next on the list," added Theissen.