Formula 1: Nick Heidfeld confirmed as Renault driver, to fill-in for Kubica
Finally, the long week of speculations is over for Renault fans. The team management announced this Tuesday that it has hired Nick Heidfeld as a replacement for Robert Kubica, until the driver is ready to return to the track.
Heidfeld will drive alongside Vitaly Petrov and is expected to be seen on the track until the end of the 2011 season.
The German driver, who was not able to secure a seat for the upcoming season in Formula 1, had luck shine at his side after it deserted Kubica, in Italy, earlier this month.
Kubica suffered an unfortunate crash in Italy earlier this month. The horror crash left the Polish racer with multiple leg and hip-bone fractures, a broken arm and a completely crushed right-hand.
With the first race of the season scheduled to be held in a less than a month’s time, the team had little time to decide who will take Kubica’s place in the team. Renault boss, Eric Boullier declared a week back that he was looking forward to a very strong
season and added that whoever will take Kubica’s place, will have a lot to live up to.
Commenting on his selection, Heidfeld stated, “I would have liked to come back to Formula One in different circumstances, but I'm proud to have been given this chance. Everything has happened so quickly, but I've been very impressed by what I have seen so
far in terms of the facilities and the dedication of the people at Enstone.”
Until the test session held at Jerez last week, it was unclear who would fill Kubica’s shoes. Tonio Liuzzi was a strong contender and had been personally recommended by Kubica himself. However, Heidfeld made a strong case for himself by posting the quickest
time in day three of testing at Jerez.
He told reporters “I really enjoyed the test last week in Jerez and I've already settled in well with the guys at the track. I've a good feeling for the car, which is quite innovative. I'm extremely motivated and can't wait for the season to begin.”
Commenting upon the team’s choice to sign the 33-yearold, Boullier stated, “He really impressed us.” The team principal agreed that it was tough call but added that he had no ‘doubts about the decision’.
Heidfeld is one of the most experienced drivers in Formula 1. He has 11 years of experience with five different teams and has 172 races under his belt, without a win,
With the season opening Bahrain Grand Prix around the corner, only time will tell if the ‘Quick Nick’ will be able to impress, or whether this will add up in his decade long ‘win-less’ racing career.
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