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Heidfeld 'ideal' for tyre testing - Pirelli

Nick Heidfeld is currently a Mercedes test driver © Sutton Images

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Nick Heidfeld has been described as the 'ideal' driver to carry out Pirelli's Formula One tyre testing by the Italian marque's competition boss Paul Hembery.

From 2011, Pirelli will become the new sole tyre supplier for Formula One and began testing the new prototypes earlier this year 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," said Hembery to Auto Bild.

The current Mercedes test and reserve driver expressed an interest in working with the tyre manufacturer earlier this year. However based on fairness to all teams, it was believed that Heidfeld had been ruled out due to his on-going role with the Mercedes team.

In an interview with Manipe F1, Hembery confirmed the completion of tests on a GP2 car but refused to confirm which driver partook in the test.

"We're keeping quiet, not giving a lot of information. To be honest we want to keep a low profile at the moment."

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 laptimes, but the development of "consistent and reliable tyres".

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.