Mercedes release Nick Heidfeld to Pirelli! - Autosport

[Wanta996Gotta]

Oh well, that secures Schumachers career for next year but is disapointing to see a good F1 driver going to a tyre manufacturer as a test driver?

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/85989

[LordGrover]

Maybe gives the silver arrows an inside line on the new rubber... ?

[williamp]

Shame. Always liked "quick Nick"

[Brian McGee]

I think that is a very smart move by Nick.

Spend the rest of the year learning the new tyres, and pretty much unlimited testing. And a decent budget to boot.

I can see him getting snapped up next season with a decent team.

BM

[rubystone]

Brian McGee said:

I think that is a very smart move by Nick.

Spend the rest of the year learning the new tyres, and pretty much unlimited testing. And a decent budget to boot.

I can see him getting snapped up next season with a decent team.

BM

Indeed.

[KaraK]

Brian McGee said:

I think that is a very smart move by Nick.

Spend the rest of the year learning the new tyres, and pretty much unlimited testing. And a decent budget to boot.

I can see him getting snapped up next season with a decent team.

BM

I think you might be right - he'll be the only "active" F1 driver with experience of the new rubber and he'll also be a darn sight sharper behind the wheel than if he had stayed as the reserve at Merc. Coupled with the fact that he has a decent enough reputation should make him very attractive to teams who are hiring.

[Wanta996Gotta]

Brian McGee said:

I think that is a very smart move by Nick.

Spend the rest of the year learning the new tyres, and pretty much unlimited testing. And a decent budget to boot.

I can see him getting snapped up next season with a decent team.

BM

What kind of car will they be testing the new rubber with? GP2 or last years Mclaren or Brawn or Ferrari?

[LordGrover]

2009 Toyota

ETA

autosport article said:

Heidfeld was the team's reserve driver for this season, but will start driving for Pirelli at the start of today's test at the Mugello circuit, where the German will be at the wheel of a 2009 Toyota F1 car.

Edited by LordGrover on Tuesday 17th August 12:54

[Mojocvh]

KaraK said:

Brian McGee said:

I think that is a very smart move by Nick.

Spend the rest of the year learning the new tyres, and pretty much unlimited testing. And a decent budget to boot.

I can see him getting snapped up next season with a decent team.

BM

I think you might be right - he'll be the only "active" F1 driver with experience of the new rubber and he'll also be a darn sight sharper behind the wheel than if he had stayed as the reserve at Merc. Coupled with the fact that he has a decent enough reputation should make him very attractive to teams who are hiring.

An astute move-perhaps?

[ajprice]

I hope it impwoves his wking .

[TheArchitect]

really want to see him back in f1 so is a good move, will get him loads of testing in, and i bet there is something still between him and merc as merc has struggled with the tyres big style this year its quite convenient for them!

[Steamer]

rubystone said:

Brian McGee said:

I think that is a very smart move by Nick.

Spend the rest of the year learning the new tyres, and pretty much unlimited testing. And a decent budget to boot.

I can see him getting snapped up next season with a decent team.

BM

Indeed.

I'd like to see that too... but in F1, which team?

ETA: Just a thought - any seats possibly back at Sauber?

Edited by Steamer on Tuesday 17th August 15:03

[TheArchitect]

could replace pedro, he's pretty much admitted he has no future already!

[jamiebae]

As others have said, a very smart move and one which will almost certainly land him a race seat for 2011.

[Aydogflipper]

Wouldnt be suprised to see him behind the wheel maybe at renault perhaps.

Anyway good move for him.

[german tony]

TheArchitect said:

really want to see him back in f1 so is a good move, will get him loads of testing in, and i bet there is something still between him and merc as merc has struggled with the tyres big style this year its quite convenient for them!

Surely Hr Heidfeld is man of integrity & wouldn't do something like this?

[rubystone]

[quote=Steamer

I'd like to see that too... but in F1, which team?

ETA: Just a thought - any seats possibly back at Sauber?


[/quote]

What wasn't clear to me is whether the Pirelli contract extends into 2011. If it does (as I think it will) then I guess he'll not be be looking for a drive until 2012. There won't be a shortage of seats for that season, but he won't have to look far....Schumacher will have completed year 2 of his 3 year deal and by then will know whether he can still cut it....I'd say Heidfeld may well already have an option with Mercedes in his back pocket for 2012....