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Heidfeld confirmed as replacement for injured Kubica

Nick Heidfeld impressed in testing in Jerez © Getty Images

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• It took 'soul searching' to replace Kubica - Heidfeld
  
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• Drivers:
• Nick Heidfeld
• |
• Robert Kubica
• |
• Tonio Liuzzi

• Teams:
• Renault

Renault has ended more than a week of speculation by announcing Nick Heidfeld will replace the injured Robert Kubica as team-mate to race alongside Vitaly Petrov.

Renault was left scrambling for a new driver after Kubica suffered horrific injuries in an accident ten days ago. He has undergone a series of operations that may well sideline him for the season, which prompted the team to take its time in naming a replacement.

Tonio Liuzzi had been in the frame to take the drive, he was rumoured to be the preferred choice of Kubica, but Heidfeld has been handed the job after impressing in testing.

"I would have liked to come back to Formula One in different circumstances, but I'm proud to have been given this chance," Heidfeld said. "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.

"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."

Renault team principal Eric Boullier claims he had no doubts about the decision. "The team has been through a very difficult couple of weeks and we had to react quickly," he said. "We gave Nick a chance in Jerez last week and he really impressed us. He's quick, experienced and is very strong technically with his feedback and understanding of the car.

"We always said the priority was to have an experienced driver in the car and we feel he is the ideal man for the job. "We are pleased to welcome Nick to the team and look forward to a strong start to the season with him and Vitaly [Petrov] in Bahrain [next month]."

Bruno Senna, Renault's reserve driver who was briefly linked with the vacancy, said he was not disappointed. "The team was looking for an experienced guy to replace the main driver ... among the options, Heidfeld was the logical choice because of his experience of more than 10 years in Formula One, and the role he played with the development of the current Pirelli tyres.

"I was happy with the chance I got [at Jerez]," he said. "Now, I hope to help the team as much as I can this year."

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