Bruno Senna replaces Nick Heidfeld at Renault, says Eddie Jordan

[Ysmalari]

Further update..


Renault could face legal action from Nick Heidfeld for alleged plans to replace him with Bruno Senna

I think if Nick does this it will absolutely guarantee he has no place on the grid next year with any team, even as a third driver. If Kubica hadn't had his accident Nick wouldn't have had a drive this year anyway, so it seems a bit off for him to try to sue Renault even if they are using him as a scapegoat for their slide down the grid from the beginning of the year.

Time to look at other race series' Nick.

 

[Mr Jack]

Wow. There's a name I never hoped to see on an F1 timesheet again.

 

[Duke]

Wow. There's a name I never hoped to see on an F1 timesheet again.

At least we'll know if he has talent now.

 

[Guerrilla]

Indeed, if Senna does get to race, especially if it is the remainder of the season, it'll likely make or break his career.

 

[Mr Jack]

At least we'll know if he has talent now.

I think that question was answered quite effectively last time he had a seat, and it's not like his prior record gives good reason to doubt it.

Clue: the answer begins in 'n' and ends with 'o'.

 

[Ysmalari]

To be fair to him I think anyone would struggle to show talent in last year's HRT, it was horrifically unstable.

 

[pcoltrane]

Bruno is one of the few drivers out there without an extensive karting background (He was banned by his family from racing after Ayrtons death) He didn't start racing cars until he was 19. As such I think he has more potential to improve than many others at his level.

In GP2 he looked relatively decent. I don't think that the HRT did any favours to any of it's drivers. It was far too underdeveloped, and the team having too many teething issues to give a decent representation of a drivers ability.

For me Bruno is a real unknown, but he doesn't deserve to be written off completely. A shot in a half decent car would be a great opportunity to see what he can do.
I've always defended Heidfeld in the past, he's a solid driver and generally under-rated, but I do think he is under-performing at the moment. The season is pretty much a write off for the team, so it does seem a good opportunity to evaluate some young blood.

 

[Mr Jack]

The BBC is saying he's been confirmed for the rest of the season. We will see, I guess.

 

[Mr Jack]

I've always defended Heidfeld in the past, he's a solid driver and generally under-rated, but I do think he is under-performing at the moment. The season is pretty much a write off for the team, so it does seem a good opportunity to evaluate some young blood.

I agree with this, I just don't see any merit in choosing Senna as that young blood. I think this is a purely financial decision on Renault's part - that name still brings in the sponsors.

Let's hope Bruno can make me eat my words, hey?

 

[pimper]

Them Eyes something about this is making me feel uneasy, a 'Senna' driving at Spa and in a Black Lotus.

Am I being wrong here for saying a part of me doesn't want this?

 

[GravyMonster]

I actually thought that bottom pick was Ayrton, and then I noticed the GPUpdate.net ad and thought they had web adverts in the early 90s?

 

[Kerming]

this is bruno's chance to shine, he's finaly in a decent car........if he's slow in this then he is an insult to the senna name.

 

[GravyMonster]

^ A little harsh. Especially given that he missed 8 years of his career where those around him would have been karting and starting in junior formulae.

It will be make or break for him though.

 

[pimper]

The problem, is that everyone thinks, because he has the Senna name that he is going to be Ayrton, he openly admitted at Monaco in 2010 himself that he doesn't want to be Ayrton, he wants to be Bruno. And given the fact that after Ayrton's death his mother, forbid him to race, he missed out on most of his younger years in karting, and going up in the classes. Possibly also the mental weight that he bears, knowing that he is doing what killed Ayrton, is probably enough to make him never perform at his maximum.

 

[pcoltrane]

Possibly also the mental weight that he bears, knowing that he is doing what killed Ayrton, is probably enough to make him never perform at his maximum.

I don't think that's an issue for him otherwise he wouldn't be racing at all. It certainly never seemed to affect Jaques Villeneuve that his own father was killed racing in F1.

 

[absolutpepper]

I think Heidfeld hadnt performed as well as expected this season. Admittedly there is an underlying issue with car performance but it seems he has been his usual consistent self. Personally I dont think popping B Senna in the car will add anything. I didnt rate his season last year...taking away from the fact the Hispania was a dog, he was fundamentally outperformed by just about every revolving teammate he had (however short lived). Renault should stop development, lick their wounds and focus on 2012 now.

 

[Shimmy]

Bruno Senna says that he is only confirmed for the next two races. Legal issues (Heidfeld most likely) mean remainder of season is undecided

 

[GravyMonster]

#f1 Heidfeld has appeared in Spa paddock. Says he has a valid contract, legal hearing in 3 weeks. He wants his seat back!

#f1 French colleagues believe Senna has two races and plan is for Grosjean after that. Senna says 'intention' is to do rest of season

Senna looks like he could be in only in for two races if Grosjean gets his way, or just one if Heidfeld gets his.

Although TBH I can't see him getting back in the car, even if he wins as it'd be such a tense situation in the team. If he does win Renault would most likely park a truck full of money at his front door and tell him to do one.

 

[Mr Jack]

Well. That was an impressive qualifying performance. Heidfeld has struggled to match Petrov on Saturday, and Bruno swans in and not only beats him but does it by a hefty margin in tricky conditions.

 

[Duke]

Yep, impressive!