AUGUST 24, 2011
Senna to replace Heidfeld?
Nick Heidfeld's seat at Renault is in doubt, as speculation continues to grow that Bruno Senna will take his place starting this weekend in Belgium.
Martin Trenkler, for Granprix.com
Nick Heidfeld's seat at Renault is in doubt, as speculation continues to grow that Bruno Senna will take his place starting this weekend in Belgium.
After Robert Kubica was injured before the season began, the highly experienced Heidfeld was drafted in by Renault to take his place - but his performance has not lived up to the expectations of the team. Over the past few days talk of a driver shake-up have strengthened, with BBC commentator Eddie Jordan reporting that Heidfeld has been dropped by the team.
Renault have declined comment, and it should be noted that Renault has failed to put out their customary race preview to the press, and while interviews about this weekend are posted on their website for Eric Boullier, Vitaly Petrov and Roman Grosjean, there is no word of Heidfeld.
Heidfeld is expected to put up a fight over his contract to remain in the Renault seat - as there are not many opportunities available in F1 currently. It is also possible that his contract with the team has a clause that Renault can only vacate him from the seat if Robert Kubica is available to return to F1.
Throughout the season there have been continued talk that the Renault has been short on cash - having not found enough sponsorship to cover it's budget, and it is a contributing factor if this move happens.
The team is owned by investment group Genii Capital, which recently merged with a Brazilian company which might want to see a Brazilian promoted to a race team.
According to the Brazilian newspaper O Estado de Sao Paulo Senna is believed to have access to some sponsorship money, and if the funds arrive by tomorrow Senna will race in Spa for the team.