De la Rosa confirmed as Pirelli test driver

As expected, Pirelli have confirmed Pedro de la Rosa as their new official Formula One test driver. De la Rosa takes over from Nick Heidfeld – to whom he recently lost his 2010 race drive with BMW Sauber – as the Italian firm gears up for its F1 return in 2011.

“I’m really pleased to be joining Pirelli,” said De la Rosa. “Tyre testing is something that I have always enjoyed as it is a very big challenge, especially in Formula One…