Mar.26 (GMM) Nick Heidfeld is the new chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA).

With Pedro de la Rosa wanting to step back now that he has rejoined the grid after several years as a test driver, the safety-oriented body met in the Albert Park paddock and voted in Heidfeld.

German Heidfeld, 32, is a veteran of 169 grands prix, and this year is spending the year as Mercedes' reserve driver after failing to secure a race seat.

The news was confirmed and endorsed by Lotus driver Heikki Kovalainen to the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat.

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