Formula1: Bahrain Circuit to revert back to its original layout as Nick Heidfeld joins Pirelli
Bahrain’s F1 Grand Prix circuit that hosted the first race of 2010 season will revert back to the layout that was originally made for the circuit. In an official statement it was said that for the 2011 season in March the track would once again go back to the default layout for the race in March.
The track was altered from its original layout for the race in 2010. The length of the track was extended and new corners were also added. But after the race, there was wide criticism of the track and the officials decided to roll back the changes made this year. The newer track was deemed as boring and non-competitive.
The organisers at the circuit held several meetings and have finally decided that the track which has been hosting the race since 2004 would go back to its actual state.
Sheikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa, the circuit's acting chief executive said that this is the 60th anniversary of Formula1. And the changes made to the circuit were to celebrate the occasion and they were hoping that it would add more excitement to the race. He said that since 2004 Bahrain international circuit has done all it can to maintain the standards and continued to serve world of international motorsport. Michael Schumacher, the 7-time world champion also agreed upon Sheikh Salman’s views and said that Bahrain circuit has been one of his favourite ones and would love to see it back in its original layout. He said that the Bahrain track has been one of the most challenging ones.
Meanwhile Mercedes reserve driver Nick Heidfeld has been relieved from his contract at the team as a reserve, now he will take on the role of tyre Test driver for Pirelli. Heidfeld spent 10 years as a regular driver in Formula1 and at the age of 32 decided to step down. Pirelli has said that they are looking forward to having Nick in the team. The team said that he is an experienced man in the sport and his experience and knowledge of the sport would be very useful to the team.
Mercedes boss Ross Brawn also praised the services of Nick Heidfeld and said that he has good amount of experience in the sport, and would be a very capable man to work in the background for Pirelli. Pirelli would be replacing Bridgestone next season as the official tyre supplier for Formula1. It would be after a gap of 2 decades that Pirelli would be making its way back in the sport.
Brawn went on to say that Nick has been a very important part of the team, and the team is very happy that his career is moving forward.
Nick Heidfeld would be using Toyota F1 car TF109 for testing the tyres for all teams. After this he would work on track where Nick would test the tyres to their limit for all the teams for 2011 season.
Heidfeld in his racing days was one of the most consistent drivers on the circuit and that is the reason Pirelli has opted to sign him. Heidfeld also has the record of 41 consecutive race classifications.
Pirelli motorsport Chairman Paul Hembery said that the team is very happy to have him onboard, he said that Pirelli is like a family and the entire team is excited to be back in F1 and Heidfeld would add a lot to the team.
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