Mercedes GP Don't Confirm Heidfeld for Reserve Role

Although everybody expected Mercedes GP to announce their test/reserve driver for the upcoming campaign of Formula One, the German team left the media with plenty questions to be answered prior to the Valencia testing session next month.

Previously, we have reported to you that Nick Heidfeld was practically signed and sealed by Mercedes GP for that position, as the German veteran would this way complete the all-German dream team for the Stuttgart-based manufacturer in F1. However, no such announcement was made on that topic throughout the Monday event at Mercedes Benz Museum.

The 32-year old driver was also in the middle of some contractual discussions with some of the teams that have vacant spots for the upcoming season, including Renault F1 Team. However, according to some recent reports in the Swiss media, new owners Genii Capital are currently inclined to go for a pay driver to partner Robert Kubica in 2010, most likely Russian racer Vitaly Petrov.

Returning to the media event hosted by Mercedes-Benz at their Museum in Germany, it was also revealed that Michael Schumacher will return to the series wearing the same incandescent red type of helmet (very similar to the helmet worn during the GP2 test in Jerez earlier this month).

Also, McLaren Mercedes' team principal attended the Stuttgart event earlier today, with Mercedes' motorsport director Norbert Haug due to return him the favor on Friday, for McLaren's own unveiling event in Newbury.