This is the Statt Mann Baby. It’s time to Scatt a little bit.

It’s not often you get a chance to talk with a Formula One veteran like Nick Heidfeld. So when it came, I took it Friday in Long Beach.

Heidfeld scored more than 250 points in an excellent F1 career, podiums, but no wins.

He’s a winner in musical tastes though. When asked about the playlists in his iPod he tried to put me off by saying he likes all music.

I pushed and asked if that means British rap and American country.

He said his girlfriend rides horses so he’s grown to like some American country and, as far as British rap goes, some of it’s pretty good. Touche Mr. Heidfeld!

He then pulled out his phone and showed me that his music tastes include Tom Petty, Michael Jackson, Supertramp and Percy Sledge. Yes, the old soul legend Percy Sledge.  A German F1 veteran now in sports cars with a second at Long Beach Saturday might be bobbing his head to Percy Sledge when you see him in his head phones.

A greatest hits compilation got Heidfeld started down the Sledge road.

When a Man Loves a Woman, If Loving You is Wrong, Bring it on Home to Me and Nick Heidfeld.  Go figure.

Peace.