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29 July 2010

Mercedes test and reserve driver Nick Heidfeld could be the man chosen by Pirelli to help with its tyre testing ahead of the 2011 F1 season.

Pirelli will replace Bridgestone as sole tyre supplier next year and has already carried out an initial test of a prototype tyre using a GP2 machine at Paul Ricard.

It is believed that Pirelli will use a 2009 Toyota to carry out further development work prior to the start of post-season testing in Abu Dhabi with Pirelli competition boss Paul Hembery revealing that Heidfeld was one option to carry out driving duties.

"Until the last race in Abu Dhabi, we will do six tests with an F1 car from 2009," he told Auto Bild. "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."

It remains to be seen if Heidfeld's position with Mercedes has any impact on whether or not he can carry out the role.