Pirelli

Will Nick Heidfield become Pirelli F1’s Test Driver ?

Pirelli require a fit and experienced Formula 1 driver to evaluate their tyre test programme and Nick Heidfeld could be their ideal choice.

This is one candidate that Paul Hembery, Pirelli’s boss of motorsport, could have in mind when it comes to selecting the test driver.

Pirelli started their test evaluations recently at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, using a GP2 car. It is rumored that they will perhaps obtain a 2009 F1 Toyota for the definitive development programme, with a candidate like Nick Heidfield at the wheel.

Hembery told Germany’s Auto Bild “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.”

Heidfield is currently the F1 Mercedes reserve driver and Pirelli would need to get appropriate approval based on fairness to all of the other teams.

Pirelli is intending to carry out their testing at six venues including Monza, Barcelona, Jerez and Paul Ricard. Apparently, the focus of the tests would be the development of  “consistent and reliable tyres” rather than lap times.

Tags: Nick Heidfeld