Heidfeld: Tire knowledge will help for 2011
The withdrawal of BMW at the end of last season saw Heidfeld left without a drive, with the German instead signing up to a role of test and reserve driver with Mercedes.
A lack of testing opportunities thanks to the in-season ban on testing meant Heidfeld spent the first half of the year kicking his heels on the sidelines before the chance arose to join Pirelli as a test driver as the company works on development of the tires it will for its return to F1 next year.
Having had the chance to test the new tires twice already, Heidfeld admits that the early knowledge he has gained could work in his favor as he evaluates options for next season.
“I think it is obvious that this fact helps," he said in an interview with the official F1 website. “We are in talks with a couple of teams and everybody knows that I am helping Pirelli develop the tires. So yes, it is a bonus, and yes, there are definite talks for next season, but so far no signature. I am quite confident of making a return to the grid next year. I am very thankful to Mercedes that they let me go. They always said that they would not stand in my way should there be an opportunity for me, and they didn’t.
“It is no secret that I’m not doing these tests for money but in order to pave my way back into a cockpit for 2011. I am helping Pirelli to develop their tires – I give them my comments, they implement them, and so we improve the tires step by step. That should be an asset for many teams." Yahoo! Sports