Mercedes not replacing reserve driver Heidfeld

Norbert Haug has confirmed that Mercedes will not appoint a formal replacement for its departed F1 reserve driver Nick Heidfeld.

With just seven races to go in 2010, the Brackley based team agreed to release German Heidfeld so that he can become Pirelli’s permanent tyre development tester.

Departed Virgin tester Andy Soucek was mentioned as a possible replacement, but reports also indicated that Mercedes might decide not to fill the vacant role for the last third of the season.

“We do not intend to fill this role for the remaining races in 2010,” confirmed Mercedes’ Haug in an interview with SID news agency.

He also tipped 33-year-old Heidfeld to use his new Pirelli role as a springboard back onto the formula one grid.

“Absolutely. Don’t forget that Nick has already beaten the current championship leader Mark Webber as a teammate (at Williams in 2005),” said Haug.

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