nick is reportedly gutted - as part of his new contract he has to attend the annual Pirelli calendar shoot...

above the above is obviously made up - PR below:

MERCEDES GP PETRONAS confirm that Nick Heidfeld has been released from hiscontract as the team's Reserve Driver to take up the position of officialtest driver for Pirelli.

As Pirelli prepares for its return to Formula One, Nick will join theItalian company for a series of tests beginning in August to assist withtheir development work on the tyre compounds to be used by the Formula Oneteams in 2011.

Ross Brawn, Team Principal, MERCEDES GP PETRONAS: "We can confirm that theteam is pleased to allow Nick Heidfeld the opportunity to join Pirelli andcontribute to their development work for the company's imminent return toFormula One. Nick is an extremely experienced driver and we are confidentthat his racing knowledge and technical feedback will prove extremely usefulto Pirelli and therefore of benefit to the sport as a whole. Nick has been areal asset to MERCEDES GP PETRONAS since joining our team this year and weare pleased to see his career progressing."

Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: "It was clear fromthe beginning of our cooperation that MERCEDES GP PETRONAS would releaseNick from his obligations as soon as a promising opportunity as an activeFormula One driver developed. This is now the case and there could be nomore experienced and knowledgeable driver in the cockpit to steer the tyredevelopment for next season. We thank Nick for his contribution to our teamover the last nine months and wish him well with his new challenge. It wouldbe great to see Nick in a competitive car in next year's Formula One WorldChampionship and I am sure his leading role in the new tyre development, inaddition to his skills, puts Nick in a good position for the remaining seatsin 2011."

Nick Heidfeld: "First of all I would like to thank Ross Brawn, Norbert Haugand Nick Fry for allowing me the opportunity to become Pirelli's officialtest driver. The team has always said that they would not stand in my way ifsuch a chance arose and they have kindly allowed me to take up this excitingnew role. I would like to thank everyone at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS for thegreat cooperation that we have had this year. I have greatly enjoyedsupporting the team in my position as Reserve Driver and have felt welcomeright from the outset. It was impressive to have the opportunity to workwith the current World Champions and I wish the team all the best for theremainder of the season and beyond."