Earlier today, it was confirmed that the 33-year old will be part of Lotus Renault's testing lineup for the Jerez meeting this week, being scheduled to drive the R31 racer sometime this upcoming weekend. Apparently, Kubica's job will be subject to a shootout between the experienced German driver and last year's rookie Bruno Senna, now a reserve for Renault.
And it all changed rather quickly for Heidfeld, who until last Sunday was facing the prospect of sitting another season on the sidelines and watching F1 on TV (or on the screens in the Mercedes GP garage). Apparently though, he was in advanced talks with his last year's employer, Mercedes, for another reserve/testing role in 2011.
However, talking to the media on Wednesday, Mercedes motorsport director Norbert Haug said he will certainly not stand in Heidfeld's way or cause him any problems in his quest for the Renault job. If anything, the German will support his fellow countryman for the race seat.
“If Nick has the opportunity to race somewhere, we are the last ones to throw stones in his path,” said Haug, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.
According to some last-minute info, it seems that Vitantonio Liuzzi will also get a shot at being subject to Renault's evaluation before the team makes up its mind on Kubica's replacement. As Heidfeld, the Italian will get to drive the R31 during a full day of testing, most definitely in Barcelona.
Google News