Heidfeld favourite for Pirelli development role
Mercedes reserve driver Nick Heidfeld has been singled out as the preferred choice of development driver by new Formula One tyre supplier Pirelli.
The Italian manufacturer will replace Bridgestone as F1's sole supplier from 2011 onwards, and plan to develop their new rubber over the coming months.
Heidfeld, who contested 169 grand prix between 2000 and 2009, has spent the 2010 season as the Mercedes team's third driver, but could be set to leave the role to work for Pirelli if the marque have their way.
"Before the last race in Abu Dhabi we'll do six tests with an F1 car from 2009," Pirelli's chief of competition Paul Hembery said this week. "We need an extremely experienced but also very fit driver, who can do 500 miles a day and not collapse afterwards. Heidfeld fits this profile very well and would be an ideal candidate."
However it remains unclear as to whether Heidfeld will be allowed to take the role on, with the German having been ruled out earlier this year due to his involvement with an active F1 team.
Pirelli look set to use the 2009 Toyota TF109 to develop their tyres, with Monza, Barcelona, Jerez and Paul Ricard the likely venues for the tests.
Toyota’s involvement has also linked Kazuki Nakajima to the role with the former Williams F1 driver still contracted to the Japanese manufacturer.
source-http://www.motorstv.com
The Italian manufacturer will replace Bridgestone as F1's sole supplier from 2011 onwards, and plan to develop their new rubber over the coming months.
Heidfeld, who contested 169 grand prix between 2000 and 2009, has spent the 2010 season as the Mercedes team's third driver, but could be set to leave the role to work for Pirelli if the marque have their way.
"Before the last race in Abu Dhabi we'll do six tests with an F1 car from 2009," Pirelli's chief of competition Paul Hembery said this week. "We need an extremely experienced but also very fit driver, who can do 500 miles a day and not collapse afterwards. Heidfeld fits this profile very well and would be an ideal candidate."
However it remains unclear as to whether Heidfeld will be allowed to take the role on, with the German having been ruled out earlier this year due to his involvement with an active F1 team.
Pirelli look set to use the 2009 Toyota TF109 to develop their tyres, with Monza, Barcelona, Jerez and Paul Ricard the likely venues for the tests.
Toyota’s involvement has also linked Kazuki Nakajima to the role with the former Williams F1 driver still contracted to the Japanese manufacturer.
source-http://www.motorstv.com
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