» Pirelli to start track testing on Monday

Pirelli is set to debut its Formula 1 track testing on Monday at Italy’s Mugello circuit.

Spain’s daily newspaper AS reports that the tyre manufacturer – set to return as F1’s sole tyre supplier in 2011 after an absence of twenty years – has acquired a 2009 Toyota F1 car and will use the services of Mercedes GP test driver Nick Heidfeld (pictured).

The paper reported that the test will run for three days, concluding on 18 August, with subsequent tests to occur at Jerez, Monza, Paul Ricard, and then back to Mugello.

It is believed that Heidfeld will be required to leave his post as Mercedes GP’s test and reserve driver to prevent any conflict of interest allegations his involvement in the programme would have were he still on the team’s payroll.