Currently without a drive as Sauber look set to announce Pedro de la Rosa in their second seat, Heidfeld has few options left beyond an outside chance of the second seat at Renault or joining one of the new teams.

"Michael Schumacher's decision to return is certainly a great thing for F1," Heidfeld explained on his personal website. "I wish Michael and Mercedes much luck. This decision affects me directly though because it means there is one less good seat for next year.

"I am not naive when I say especially after the past few weeks a lot of unexpected things can happen in F1. Now we have to look forward and focus on the best long-term option for my future in F1. I will continue to train hard and conduct talks with the appropriate people."

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug admitted he "rated Nick and his abilities", and has remained in contact with the German throughout his Formula 1 career. Heidfeld has history with Mercedes, having competed in F3000, Le Mans and test driven at McLaren all with backing from the Stuttgart firm.

We understand an outline offer has been made to Heidfeld, dubbed 'Quick Nick' by his fans, to take the place of the test and reserve driver, and this is perhaps a sign that Anthony Davidson, who has fulfilled the role for the team for some years (and spent most of 2009 either in the BBC commentary box or the Brawn GP simulator), may be moving in to a role with one of the new teams.

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