Heidfeld returns to Pirelli – as guest – for the German Grand Prix

A reunion of sorts took place yesterday as part of the German Grand Prix run-up activities: Pirelli’s pre-race press event was visited by the tyre maker’s original test driver, Nick Heidfeld. Although some frowned upon the German driver’s departure from Pirelli last year to secure a driving position with Sauber Motorsport, Heidfeld was welcomed as the star guest at the Pirelli event, which was hosted by Pirelli Germany managing director Michael Schwobel and Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery.

Heidfeld, who now races for Lotus Renault, praised the Pirelli F1 tyres, commenting: “Bearing in mind the short amount of time that Pirelli had to develop the tyres, the job that was done was amazing. But I have to say that I always had every confidence that this would be the case.” He also opined that the new generation of Pirelli P Zero tyres was as much fun to drive as they are for the spectators to watch. “The spectacle has definitely improved this year,” he said. “There is more overtaking and that is a lot of fun for every driver. I think it’s great.”

The initial testing of the Pirelli P Zero tyres was entrusted to Heidfeld, who first drove on them at the Mugello circuit in Italy last August. The German driver concentrated primarily on testing the construction of the tyres, before work on the compounds commenced.