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Renault to Confirm Grosjean on Tuesday

Renault are believed to announce a half-new drivers lineup for the remainder of the 2009 season, regardless of the International Court of Appeal (ICA) decision on the Hungarian Grand Prix ban. The GMM news agency today reported that the verdict will only influence the timing of the announcement, not the statement itself.

Nelson Piquet Jr. will be ousted officially from the Enstone based team, as he will be replaced by young French star Romain Grosjean. The GP2 driver will this week be officially introduced as Fernando Alonso's new teammate, while Piquet will be left searching for a racing spot for the upcoming season.

According to British newspaper The Guardian, Grosjean has already underwent a seat-fitting session for the Renault R29 at the Enstone headquarters, and will debut in the No 8 car either at Valencia this weekend, or at Spa-Francorchamps 3 weekends from now.

It is now in the hands of the ICA whether Grosjean will make his first outing in the Great Circle in Spain or wait a little longer, as the international body is to judge Renault's appeal on the Hungarian GP ban later today. The decision is due to be announced tomorrow. Should it be favorable for Flavio Briatore's outfit, it is expected for Grosjean to be confirmed first thing tomorrow.

However, should the Fia judges decide not to overturn the one-race ban received by the Renault F1 team at the Hungaroring – which is unlikely, we'd say, given the immense pressure on the FIA representatives coming from high-ranked Spanish officials in the past few weeks – Renault will wait until Friday to make the announcement.
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