Heidfeld in talks for 2011 race seat – manager
One race after the 33-year-old secured his return with Sauber for the last rounds of 2010, the Swiss team announced it has signed Mexican rookie Sergio Perez for next season.
It is a blow for Heidfeld, but his manager Andre Theuerzeit insisted there are talks with other teams about 2011.
He told the German news agency SID that Heidfeld was "not unprepared" for the Perez news.
"There are still cockpits available in formula one for next season," said Theuerzeit. "At the moment we are in negotiations and we are confident there will be a positive outcome."
The best potential cockpit for 2011 is Renault's, but the Enstone based team's French boss Eric Boullier has played down suggestions Heidfeld's recent role with Pirelli gives him an advantage.
"That Nick Heidfeld should be first choice?" he mused in interview with F1's official website.
"Because he sits on important information and would without doubt give them to his new team? I think that Pirelli will inform all the teams in due course," said Boullier.