Nick Heidfeld released from his contract with Mercedes
Team Mercedes have confirmed that Nick Heidfeld has been released. The news comes amid reports that he can now perform his duties as Pirelli’s official test driver with full concentration. Nick Heidfeld will begin his duties for Formula One’s tyre suppliers behind the wheel of Toyota TF109 in the upcoming season.
Nick Heidfeld started his journey in the Formula 1 with team Prost in 2000. Nick was unable to score a single point during that season but did manage to make an impression on Sauber who signed him in the following year. Heidfeld scored his first podium finish in his first year with the team and stayed with them for the next 3 years. The German scored 12 points in his first season with the team securing the 8th position in the drivers’ standings which came about as his best performance with Sauber.
But as they say, change is the only thing which is permanent. Nick had to join Jordan in 2004 before joining Williams in 2005. After a tough time at Jordan, Nick scored 3 podiums with Williams and secured the 11th place in the drivers’ standings with 28 points. The 33-year-old joined BMW Sauber in 2006 and stayed with the team until 2009. This was the best time in his career as he scored 8 podiums and gave his best performance in the 2007 season by scoring 61 points with the help of 2 podiums to secure the 5th position in the drivers’ standings. Nick was not able to give a very good performance in his last year with the team as he scored a total of just 19 points, securing a disappointing 13th place in the drivers’ standings.
The team BMW Sauber used the German in its debut year. The team managed to make quite an impact by scoring 36 points and securing the 5th place in the constructors’ standings in its first season. However, 2007 was the best year for the team as Sauber ended at the second spot in the constructors’ standings with 101 points. This was a very impressive performance by the team since this was just its second year in Formula One racing. BMW Sauber managed to maintain this momentum and secure the 3rd place with 135 points in the following year. 2009 was not their year as they were able to score only 36 points and merely secured the 6th place. After Heidfeld’s departure from the team in 2009, BMW Sauber has not been able to perform at its best this year. They are currently in 8th place with just 23 points in the constructors’ standings.
Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn praised Heidfeld’s contribution in the team and believes that his experience, technical feedback and racing knowledge will prove extremely beneficial for Pirelli. Ross Brawn wished Heidfeld the best of luck and is happy to see his career progressing. The 33-year-old celebrated the birth of his 3rd child this past Monday.
Heidfeld thanked his team for their support and help and for allowing him the opportunity of becoming Pirelli’s test driver. The team always supported him and said that they will not stand in the way of the German if such a chance did come by for him. He specifically thanked Ross Brawn, Norbert Haug and Nick Fry for their continuous support. Nick added that everyone at Mercedes GP Petronas has been very cooperative as he enjoyed his role as a reserve driver. The German wishes the team the best of luck for the future and felt honoured as he got to work with the current World Champions.
Heidfeld will conclude the tyre suppliers’ two-day testing session for Wednesday and hopes to help them in every aspect. Pirelli will be the sole tyre suppliers for the Formula 1 next year and hope to bring something new to the table with the help of Nick Heidfeld.
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