Heidfeld to get Pedro de la Rosa's seat from next race?

Duke · 12 Sep 2010 at 19:42

Hmm bit of an odd one this?

Nick Heidfeld is on the verge of an early return to Formula 1 this season, AUTOSPORT has learned, with sources suggesting that he is close to a deal that could see him drive for Sauber from the Singapore Grand Prix.

It is understood that if a deal is agreed then Sauber may move Pedro de la Rosa aside for the final flyaway events - with Kamui Kobayashi's place at the team secure now that he has a contract with the outfit for 2011.

De la Rosa returned to F1 this season after three years on the sidelines, and has scored six of the team's 27 points.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/86674

I know Pedro hasn't done that well but odd to replace him with another average driver. I thought Heldfeld would be tied to the tyre testing still :confused:

GravyMonster · 12 Sep 2010 at 21:10

I think the reason Heidfeld left Mercedes to go tyre testing for Pirelli was so that he'd become a very tempting target for midfield/backmarking teams next year.

I can't say I'd be surprised to see him replace DLR as A) AFAIK DLR isn't a pay driver, so isn't bringing in any money, and B) DLR's crap.

Heidfeld may not set the world alight, but IMO he'd have more chance of bagging some points when the front runners have a bad day. Plus with more competition in the team Kobayashi may pick his game up a bit and show some of the form he did at the end of 2009.

Slam62 · 12 Sep 2010 at 21:13

Heidfeld is a much better bet than DLR

Hxc · 12 Sep 2010 at 21:19

Would've liked to see him at Renault with Kubica again, in all honesty.

Duke · 12 Sep 2010 at 21:32

Slam62 said:
Heidfeld is a much better bet than DLR

He is, but not by that much tbh. I would prefer to see him on the grid than DLR though.

arknor · 12 Sep 2010 at 22:25

Hxc said:
Would've liked to see him at Renault with Kubica again, in all honesty.

they never got on well together? i dont think anyone at bmw got on with heidfeld aparently he had a big ego.

Flibster · 12 Sep 2010 at 22:49

Remove someone who knows the car and replace him with someone from another team who doesn't...

All you need to do is look at how well Ferrari got on with replacement drivers last year to see how much of a good idea that is.

Duke · 14 Sep 2010 at 12:17

This has now been confirmed - http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2010/09/14/nick-heidfeld-replaces-pedro-de-la-rosa-at-sauber/

Peter Sauber said:
It was a hard decision for me to make as a team principal and I want to thank Pedro for his professionalism. By signing Nick we have a driver we know extremely well who will help us to further judge the comparative potential of our car.

Nick Heidfeld said:
I’m looking forward like crazy to having the opportunity to go racing again in a good car in Formula One from the Singapore Grand Prix onwards.

After the last months I’m even more motivated than ever. For me it is like coming home, as I raced for seven years in total for the team from Hinwil. Without doubt I will be feeling at home straight away and this should help me to familiarise myself as soon as possible with the car. I want to thank Peter Sauber for the faith he has put in me.

therealnerd2 · 14 Sep 2010 at 21:21

Gotta be the right decision, Petro has always looked out of it. I think even if Heidfeld doesn't do amazingly for the rest of the season, he is a better bet.

flat-6 · 15 Sep 2010 at 10:07

Heidfeld has been very consistent, generally stays out of trouble and scores points but is rarely the fastest out there. Seems like a better choice than DLR. He'll bring the car home most every race while Kamui will either banzai it and make up 10 places or crash in lap 3.