Pirelli is wasting no time in preparing for the 2011 Formula One season, its first in more than the two decades.The tiremaker has hired former F1 driver Nick Heidfeld as its official test driver, and has already begun initial testing of its F1 race tires.
Heidfeld will use the Toyota's F1 car from last year, the TF109, to test the new rubber that all the teams will use from 2011 onwards.
The 33-year-old raced in F1 for the 10 years, scoring 12 podium finishes. He is currently chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association.
Heidfeld will drive the car in a series of test sessions on several different circuits beginning this month, and Pirelli said tire development work will “focus on finding the delicate compromise needed between the performance, durability and spectacle next season.”
Pirelli said all current Formula One teams will get the chance to test its new F1 race tires after the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November.
