Nick Heidfeld appears likely to be retained by BMW Sauber for next season after finally turning his season on its head.
Heidfeld's future was the cause of considerable speculation just a few weeks ago following a wretched start to the campaign.
The German has primarily struggled in qualifying which has led to a lowly grid position followed by a tough race and poor points haul.
But in the last four grands prix Heidfeld has picked up more points than any other driver, 21 compared to the 20 collected by Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa.
Although Heidfeld refuses to discuss his contract situation, when asked whether he was relaxed about his future, he replied: "Yes. I am now.
"I had some problems, but we've turned things around and I am quite happy with how it is going so far.
"I have to say, the backing I've had during these weeks and months from the team has been very good.
"That has helped me, to know they stand behind me because I have worked hard with the engineers to overcome the problems and it has worked.
"Things have changed a lot, probably since Canada. Although I still had qualifying problems there, I had good race pace and could have won.
"Since then, qualifying has been better, apart from at Hockenheim where I made a mistake.
"But over the weekend the result was good and without the mistake I would have made it into the top 10.
"I did the fastest race lap again, like earlier in the season in Malaysia, and I have had two second places in four races.
"So I am really happy to have finally turned things around."
A change in set-up and driving style have played their part, and now Heidfeld is within seven points of team-mate Robert Kubica, who led the championship just three races ago after his win in Canada.
"That does surprise me, and it makes me quite happy," remarked Heidfeld.
"It shows in a phase that I struggled I was still able to take some points.
"One of my targets now is to finish ahead of Robert by the end of the season.
"Last year I finished fifth in the drivers' championship with a car clearly worse than this year's, so I want to go one better.
"Of course I want to beat my team-mate, as everyone does, but the target is fourth place. It will not be easy, but that's my target."
It means with Heidfeld 17 points behind championship leader Lewis Hamilton, the title is almost off his radar.
"It is very unlikely, but it doesn't mean in my mind there is zero percent chance," added Heidfeld.
"You take it as it comes - you just try to give it your best.
"At the moment I am 17 points behind the leader, who at the moment has a better car. So it is unlikely, but you never know."
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