Heidfeld adds another string

Nick Heidfeld may still hanker after a return to F1 after being dropped by the Lotus Renault team midway through the 2011 season, but continues to explore other outlets for his talent.

Fresh from finishing fourth with Rebellion Racing at last weekend's Le Mans 24 Hours, the German has now landed a ride as one of the 'international superstars' co-driving with a series regular in V8 Supercar's annual event on the Gold Coast. Heidfeld, who contested 185 grands prix with Prost, Sauber, Jordan, Williams and Lotus Renault, has signed to partner Ford Performance Racing's David Reynolds in the Bottle-O-sponsored car in the Gold Coast 600.

"I am very excited to be racing at the Gold Coast 600 this year," the German confirmed on his personal website, "V8 Supercars is a category I am hearing a lot about from friends in Europe who have driven on the Gold Coast and they all say very positive things.

"The cars are very unique and look like a lot of fun to drive. They are very different to what I have driven for most of my career, but I am looking forward to the challenge. To be part of Ford Performance Racing is a privilege, especially given the season they are having. I know Prodrive well from my racing in Europe and I know they are very professional and well-run. My team-mate in The Bottle-O car, David Reynolds, is a rising star and I look forward to learning a lot from him when I test for the first time in October."

Heidfeld joins IndyCar star Marco Andretti and British sportscar ace Darren Turner - who made a maiden appearance as stand-in for the late Dan Wheldon at last year's event - among the international drivers unveiled for this year's event, while the likes of current IndyCar drivers Sebastien Bourdais, Simon Pagenaud, Ryan Briscoe, Helio Castroneves and Alex Tagliani were among the 2011 entry, alongside sportscar aces Oliver Gavin, Jan Magnussen, Stephane Sarrazin and Patrick Long. F1 was represented by Tonio Liuzzi, who found time between commitments at HRT despite his rivals deciding to focus on the final few races of their season.