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Heidfeld and Renault settle out of court

Nick Heidfeld appeared at the Belgian Grand Prix in team clothing but did not race © Sutton Images

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• Drivers:
• Eric Boullier
• |
• Nick Heidfeld
• |
• Bruno Senna

• Teams:
• Renault

Bruno Senna will race for the remainder of the season after Nick Heidfeld and Renault agreed to part ways without going to court.

Senna replaced Heidfeld at the Belgian Grand Prix as Renault felt it needed to shake-up its driver line-up in order to recover from a mid-season slump. The German driver had intended to use legal action in an attempt to get his seat back after the Italian Grand Prix, but on Friday the two parties settled the issue without going to court.

"Our disagreement with Nick has been the subject of much media coverage lately, and we are pleased to have reached a swift and reasonable solution," Renault team principal Eric Boullier said. "Our separation process was already a painful one, and neither of us wanted to go through another legal hearing.

"We're very grateful to Nick for the highly valuable contribution he's made to the team. We certainly had good times together, in particular remembering our podium finish in Malaysia. He is a very strong and determined racer and we wish him every success in the future."

Heidfled joined the team midway through pre-season testing after Robert Kubica suffered severe injuries in a rallying accident. He scored 34 points over 11 races but according to Boullier had not lived up to Renault's expectations as a team leader.

"Obviously I'm disappointed to be leaving Lotus Renault GP in the middle of the season," Heidfeld told reporters. "I thought I could still make a big contribution to the team, but I have to see things as they are and I want to turn my attention to the future. We have taken the right decision by choosing to end our collaboration today. I would like to wish all the friends I made at Enstone a successful end to the season.

"One thing is for sure - I'll be back racing at the highest level soon."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.