Pirelli test Jerez track and sign Grosjean
Pirelli is another step closer to becoming the sole tyre supplier of Formula One in 2011 after reporting a third successful testing session in Spain. Veteran driver Nick Heidfeld executed a series of tests at the Jerez circuit, and will be replaced by Romain
Grosjean next week when Heidfeld joins Sauber for the Singapore Grand Prix.
Racing nearly 200 laps in the duration of two days, Heidfeld tested various compounds to help Pirelli prepare their four slick tyre options for the cars in 2011. Pirelli expressed gratitude towards the driver, who they have released from contract in light
of his new Sauber position. “We'd like to thank Nick for his very valuable contribution to our tyre development programme and we wish him all the best for the future,” Pirelli Motorsport Director Paul Hembery said.
“In order to avoid favouring any individual team, we have jointly decided to release Nick from his contract and now we have chosen Romain to test for us in Monza. He's packed a lot of experience into a short space of time, including all our GP3 tyre development,
so I'm sure he'll be able to give us some very useful feedback. The tests here at Jerez have gone extremely well and we completed all the work that we planned over the two days.”
Franco-Swiss racer Grosjean will take over Heidfeld’s position at the Monza track, where Pirelli hopes to “finalise the construction,” before further work on the compounds. After a short absence from F1, the 24-year-old GP Asia Series champion is eager to
hit the asphalt for racing’s most prestigious tournament.
Grosjean had a brief spell during the 2008 season as a test driver for Renault and replaced Nelson Piquet Jr. in 2009, but was eventually discarded when Vitaly Petrov and Robert Kubica were signed for the team in 2010.
Whether or not Grosjean’s return signals a more permanent contract with Pirelli remains unconfirmed.
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