Mercedes confirms release of Heidfeld to Pirelli

Heidfeld, who begins his testing duties for the tyre supplier behind the wheel of the 2009 Toyota TF109 at Mugello on Tuesday, had acted as the Mercedes test driver this season.

"Nick is an extremely experienced driver and we are confident that his racing knowledge and technical feedback will prove extremely useful to Pirelli and therefore of benefit to the sport as a whole," commented Mercedes boss Ross Brawn. "Nick has been a real asset to Mercedes GP Petronas since joining our team this year and we are pleased to see his career progressing."

Heidfeld, who celebrated the birth of his third child on Monday night, thanked Mercedes for the opportunity.

"First of all I would like to thank Ross Brawn, Norbert Haug and Nick Fry for allowing me the opportunity to become Pirelli's official test driver. The team has always said that they would not stand in my way if such a chance arose and they have kindly allowed me to take up this exciting new role," said Heidfeld.

"I would like to thank everyone at Mercedes GP Petronas for the great cooperation that we have had this year. I have greatly enjoyed supporting the team in my position as reserve driver and have felt welcome right from the outset.

"It was impressive to have the opportunity to work with the current world champions and I wish the team all the best for the remainder of the season and beyond."

Heidfeld will conclude Pirelli's two-day testing session on Wednesday.