Heidfeld ‘ideal’ for tire testing job – Pirelli
That is the opinion of Paul Hembery, the Italian marque's competition boss, after German Heidfeld earlier this year said he would be interested in becoming the Pirelli tire tester.
Pirelli, F1's new official tire supplier beginning next year, recently started testing its 2011 prototypes, but only with a GP2 car.
It is believed the marque will use a 2009 Toyota formula one car for its real development testing in the forthcoming months.
"We need an extremely experienced but also very fit driver, who can do 500 miles a day and not collapse afterwards. Heidfeld fits this profile very well and would be an ideal candidate," Pembery told Germany's Auto Bild.
Previously, on the basis of fairness to all the other teams, it was believed Heidfeld had been ruled out due to his ongoing role as Mercedes' reserve driver.
Pembery added: "Until the last race in Abu Dhabi, we will do six tests with an F1 car from 2009."
He said the tests will be held at venues including Monza, Barcelona, Jerez and Paul Ricard.
Pembery explained that the focus of the tests would not be lap times, but the development of "consistent and reliable tires".