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Sutil, Heidfeld Still Eyed by Renault for 2011

Although several new reports have suggested that Vitaly Petrov will likely extend his stay with Renault for another season, it seems that the Enstone-based team's manager Eric Boullier is still considering some other names to partner Robert Kubica for the 2011 campaign of F1.

While insisting that Petrov will be given his chance to prove himself in the Renault car before the team makes up its mind on the next year's lineup, Boullier admitted that two other drivers are still considered for the Russian's job, namely German racers Adrian Sutil and Nick Heidfeld.

First we have to give Petrov his chance,” admitted Boullier, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport. “Only then can we enter serious talks with them. Nick is free for 2011, as we know, and he wants to be with us,” he added, hinting that Heidfeld has already showed his interest in switching to Renault power next year.

Recently, it has been reported that Bank of Moscow has become the new backer of Renault F1 Team, which boosted greatly Petrov's chances of retaining his seat with the Enstone based team. However, with two retirements recorded by the Russian driver in the last 3 races – not to mention the fact that his last point-scoring performance happened in Belgium – his future with the French team is still cloudy.

A sentence beginning with 'if' is wrong,” said Boullier when asked if a second Kubica would have been better for his team in 2010, rather than an unexperienced driver like Petrov. “Vitaly is lacking experience at a high level. He started very late in motor sport and is needing to learn more than the other newcomers.”

We have said we are supporting Vitaly until the end of the season to give him a chance. Then we will make a decision,” concluded the Renault boss.
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