Pirelli to test with Toyota, Heidfeld?

[CNR]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18062010/23/pirelli-test-toyota-heidfeld.html

With the tyre-supply contract for F1 2011 looking now to be all-but a done deal, Pirelli is reportedly evaluating the possibility of conducting some development testing later this year with one of Toyota (http://www.motorsportforums.com/formula-1/toyota.html)’s unraced TF110 cars
thereby ensuring that no particular team gains any kind of advantage.
and Mercedes (http://www.motorsportforums.com/mercedes-benz.html) Grand Prix reserve driver Nick Heidfeld (http://www.motorsportforums.com/formula-1/nick-heidfeld.html) at the wheel.

[Azumanga Davo]

... except for Mercedes, who would lend them their reserve driver. Some neutrality that is... :/

[Saint Devote]

Clever Mercedes to try and play advantage - definitely, superbly Schumiesque in character.

[call_me_andrew]

They could just ask each team to provide one car for an open test.

[Powered by Cosworth]

Have a mid-season test session on the way back/to a race, like at Jerez the week before Monza. Chuck 'em all a load of free tyres, let them test KERS for next season too.

[Redstorm]

^ How dare you talk sense like that!!! You know it must be difficult and an off the wall decision......

[RJL25]

Actually the best thing to do would be to do a test with the Toyota, using whatever driver you like BUT invite each team to send their technical director down to supervise the test, that way it is guaranteed that each team get as much insight and if necessary imput into the tyres development.

[jens]

In this case someone will have to hire Heidfeld for 2011 as a race driver! :D He will play an invaluable role in developing the tyres around his driving style for next year and considering that the tyres would be completely new and unknown to everyone, it would be a major plus. :)

[tf109b]

I wonder if a new team is still looking into the Toyota chassis as a basis for next year? (HRT?) If so, maybe they should do so and then make their car around the TF110 then hire heidfeld. They'd have such a big step on the field considered they have the funds. What are you doing HRT!?