Renault to Replace Grosjean with Di Grassi in Brazil?

After we've reported to you yesterday that Romain Grosjean's place in Renault's 2010 lineup is now under scrutiny, it has recently emerged that the Frenchman might be ousted by the Enstone based team from as early as the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix.

A report coming from Germany's Auto Motor und Sport – whose reporters are usually well informed when it comes to teams changing lineups in F1 – suggested that another Brazilian driver might come Renault's way in Sao Paolo. GP2 driver Lucas di Grassi is due to replace Grosjean at Interlagos and holds a good chance of making the team's lineup in 2010 also.

Grosjean's sins at Renault so far seem to be the fact that he was championed by disgraced manager Flavio Briatore, as well as failed to deliver any outstanding performances since his debut in the Hungarian Grand Prix. If the latter is quite understandable – he never raced a 2009 machinery until the point – the former seems to be decisive in Renault's decision to get rid of the French talent.

Although ousting Grosjean was initially projected for the winter break, the fact that the upcoming Grand Prix will be held on Brazilian territory has made the Enstone officials think of Di Grassi sooner. The 25-year old Brazilian is currently test/reserve driver for Renault F1 Team, in addition to his GP2 programme this season. He ended the 2009 GP2 Series in 3rd place, after Nico Hulkenberg and Vitaly Petrov.

If confirmed by Renault, Grosjean will partner Polish driver Robert Kubica in the 2010 lineup. The French manufacturer yesterday confirmed the signing of a one-year contract with the BMW driver, as Kubica will replace Alonso as the team's new leading driver.