The rumors about this move appeared in the media for quite some time, but both parties decided to remain silent until the contract would be signed. Although the announcement was expected to be made last week, during the team's official presentation in Stuttgart, Mercedes GP only now completed the negotiations with Heidfeld.
“I am very pleased to be joining the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team. It’s the team which has attracted the most interest in the close season, not only because of the comeback of Michael Schumacher, but also because this season sees the return of the Silver Arrows cars as a Mercedes-Benz works team for the first time in over fifty years,” said Heidfeld.
“Whilst I would of course have preferred a seat as an active driver, I am really proud to be part of the new Silver Arrows team. I have seen how committed everyone at the team is and I feel the same. I will be doing my very best to support Michael and Nico this year,” added Heidfeld, who is believed to have signed a one-year deal with Mercedes, as he wants to return to racing in 2011.
“It’s a great pleasure for us to have signed a driver of the calibre and experience of Nick Heidfeld as our Reserve Race Driver and Test Driver for the 2010 season. Nick has over ten years of experience in Formula One working with established teams and he will be a great asset to MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. We look forward to welcoming Nick to MERCEDES GP PETRONAS and working closely with him,” added team boss Ross Brawn.
“To sign Nick Heidfeld as Reserve Race Driver and Test Driver for MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team means another re-enforcement for our team. We have known each other for many years and Nick was supported by our junior drivers programme from 1997. During his 10 years in Formula One, circumstances often made it difficult for him to achieve his breakthrough. However Nick is extremely capable, he will be an asset to our team and he will show this,” concluded the Mercedes director of motorsport Norbert Haug.
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