Nick Heidfeld ‘ideal candidate’ for Pirelli tyre testing

Nick Heidfeld is in line to carry out Pirelli’s tyre testing as the manufacturer prepares for its return to Formula 1.

Paul Hembery, Pirelli’s competition boss, says the Mercedes test and reserve driver would be an ‘ideal candidate’, and Heidfeld said earlier this year that he would be interested in taking up the role alongside his current duties.

“We need an extremely experienced but also very fit driver, who can do 500 miles a day and not collapse afterwards,” said Hembery.

“Heidfeld fits this profile very well and would be an ideal candidate.”

“Until the last race in Abu Dhabi, we will do six tests with an F1 car from 2009,” Hembery added.

The focus of Pirelli’s tests will be “the development of consistent and reliable tyres” rather than lap times.

Pirelli are expect to test at six different circuits including usual venues Monza, Barcelona, Jerez, and Paul Ricard.

Former Ferrari driver Kimi Räikkönen has also been linked with the Pirelli testing role.