Nick Heidfeld was announced as Pirelli's official test driver on Tuesday as the Italian tyre manufacturer prepares for its return to Formula 1 for the first time in 20 years. The experience F1 driver is looking forward to get back on track again and work on the development of the new Pirelli Pzero F1 tyre.
Nick Heidfeld will use Toyota's Formula One car from last year, the TF109, to test the new rubber that all the teams will use from 2011 onwards.
The Toyota TF109 was the last Formula One car produced by the Japanese manufacturer before it withdrew at the end of 2009 after scoring five podium finishes in its final season. As such the Toyota provides contemporary technology and performance with which to test the new Pirelli PZero Formula One tyres to the limit, but does not hand an advantage to any current team.
Heidfeld will drive the car in a series of test sessions on several different circuits from August onwards. The tyre development work will focus on finding the delicate compromise needed between performance, durability and spectacle next season.
Heidfeld said about his upcoming challenge: “It's a great privilege for me to join Pirelli in order to carry out this vital work and I am very grateful to Mercedes Grand Prix for releasing me from my contract to take on this role. Through the experience I have built up over the years, I'm confident that I will be able to provide Pirelli with some important feedback regarding the development of next year's tyres.
“I've got a lot to give but I haven't been driving so much this year, so it is good to get started! Together, I'm sure that we can create a dynamic range of tyres that will make Formula One an even more exciting sport in the future.”
Series
Formula 1
Personalities
Nick Heidfeld
Other
Get your official Formula 1 tickets at Sportstadium.com
| Nick Heidfeld | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| More Nick Heidfeld photos | |||
English
Nederlands
Español
Italiano
