BERLIN, Sept 21, 2007 (AFP) - BMW Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld said on Friday he is confident he can win the World Drivers' Championship within the next two years.

The 30-year-old, currently fifth in the WDC table in his eighth season of Formula One racing, says he plans on picking up his first win next year and aims to be world champion in 2009.

"I am confident that I can do it," said Heidfeld at the international motor show in Frankfurt.

"Next season, I would like to win my first race and then compete for the title the year afterwards."

Heidfeld finished third at last month's Hungarian Grand Prix and BMW boss Mario Theissen says the German is ahead of schedule in terms of his title-winning ambitions.

The German has had seven podium finishes and one pole-position in 132 races.

Britain's Lewis Hamilton is the currently WDC leader with 97 points after 14 races with the next Grand Prix in Japan next weekend.