Mercedes GP have confirmed the much speculated move that Nick Heidfeld has signed as their reserve driver for the 2010 season. The move completes an all German line-up at the team.

Heidfeld left BMW-Sauber after the 2009 season due to the team pulling out, he struggled to find a new team, although he held talks with several including McLaren. He will now return to Mercedes, the manufacturer who supported him when he won the Formula Three championship in 1997.

"I am very pleased to be joining the Mercedes GP 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."

Heidfeld regrets not being able to secure a race seat for this season, but he's proud to be able to support Schumacher and Rosberg.

"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," he added.

Team Principal, Ross Brawn expressed his pleasure at signing Heidfeld: "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. I am confident that his input into the development of our MGP W01 car will be invaluable."

Image courtesy of BMW-Sauber