Pirelli to begin tyre tests on Monday

[John S]

If this is true then I wonder who will get named as Mercedes reserve driver for the rest of the season? - How about Kimi...

Pirelli will reportedly begin its formula one track testing programme on Monday.
According to the Spanish daily AS, the sport's new tyre supplier for 2011 will be running at the Mugello circuit near Florence in Italy.

The sports newspaper said Nick Heidfeld will be at the wheel of a Pirelli-shod 2009 Toyota. It is expected that German Heidfeld, 33, will vacate his existing role as Mercedes' reserve driver.

The initial Mugello test will reportedly be for three days, until Wednesday 18 August.

The next Pirelli test will then take place at Jerez, followed by Monza, Le Castellet and then back to Mugello, the Diario AS report added.

updatef1.com, Today

[Ian]

It's a shame Heidfeld can't get a full time drive.

[Jericoke]

It's a shame Heidfeld can't get a full time drive.

I presume he would rather sit out than run with a losing team?

I wonder what car Pirelli will be using for testing.

[John S]

It's a shame Heidfeld can't get a full time drive.

I presume he would rather sit out than run with a losing team?

I wonder what car Pirelli will be using for testing.

It says in the article Jeri, the Toyota 09 season car.

[Jericoke]

It's a shame Heidfeld can't get a full time drive.

I presume he would rather sit out than run with a losing team?

I wonder what car Pirelli will be using for testing.

It says in the article Jeri, the Toyota 09 season car.

Still early in the morning for me...

Thanks

[lkjohnson1950]

Maybe doing all this testing and being familiar with the tires will make him more attractive to a top team, though they seem pretty set for 2011.

Lonny

[seenathkumar]

This is a good chance for Nick to show his prowess and get a chance to become a full time driver. 

[Jericoke]

This is a good chance for Nick to show his prowess and get a chance to become a full time driver. 

This will preclude him from racing in 2010, but is a very good move for him to be ready for 2011.  The question is, will there be an acceptable seat available to him?  McLaren, Ferrari, RBR and Mercedes are all locked up.  I don't know about F1F1 or Williams. 

He'd look good back at Sauber though!

[Williamsfan]

I think Williams are as good as locked up for next year and not sure Heidfeld would be welcomed back with open arms even though I'd love to see him there again. 

I am not sure that becoming the Pirelli test driver will help him as he will be in a position where he has no one to compare against.  The only thing in his favour will be a deep knowledge of the tyres compared to the others. 

[Scott]

I'm hoping Sauber lands a monster of a sponsor and invites Quick Nick back.

[Williamsfan]

Heidfeld and Kobayashi would be a very exciting line-up for next season.  The right kind of experience (ie- a good racer) and a young talent.  I echo your sentiments Scott!!