Pirelli keeps Pedro de la Rosa on board

Pedro de la Rosa, who was dropped by Sauber towards the end of last season, will remain as Pirelli's official test driver in 2011.

Pirelli's motorsport director Paul Hembery told Autosport the company would keep de la Rosa, who turns 40 later this month, on board.

"[He'll] stay unless he gets a drive somewhere else," Hembery said. "That's not looking likely in F1 at the moment, so we are very happy for Pedro to continue with us, and maybe he will get involved in some of our other race programs. He's a great tester and we are absolutely delighted with the work he is doing."

Pirelli will continue to test and develop its tires during the season, but has yet to decide if it will do that during Friday practice or in a post-race test on Mondays.