Aug.18 (GMM) Mercedes might not appoint a formal replacement for its departed F1 reserve driver Nick Heidfeld.
The Brackley based team agreed to release 33-year-old Heidfeld so that he can become Pirelli's permanent tyre development tester.The German kicked off his new role at Mugello on Tuesday, with photographs depicting a dark-helmeted Heidfeld driving a white Toyota TF109 with low-key Pirelli signage and unbranded tyres.Spain's daily AS sports newspaper said reigning F2 champion Andy Soucek, who recently ended his contract as Virgin's reserve driver, is a candidate to replace Heidfeld.But Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said Mercedes has not decided whether a single replacement for the veteran of 167 grands prix will be appointed.Turun Sanomat, the major Finnish daily, said the team has no immediate plans to replace Heidfeld.The appointment of a full-time reserve driver is not required by the sporting regulations, but each teams must field two drivers at each event.If Mercedes does not appoint a permanent replacement for Heidfeld, it is likely the German marque will nominate a reserve driver on a race-by-race basis.
