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Heidfeld fills in for injured Kubica
Source: Agencies |
February 18, 2011, Friday
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GERMAN driver Nick Heidfeld has been named as replacement for the injured Robert Kubica at Formula One team Lotus Renault.
The team announced yesterday that the 33-year-old Heidfeld will partner Russian driver Vitaly Petrov at next month's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Kubica is still recovering in hospital after crashing while competing in a rally earlier this month, undergoing extensive surgery to repair damage to his right hand.
"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.
Heidfeld has vast experience, starting 172 F1 races over the last 11 seasons. He drove for Sauber in five races last season, but missed out on a seat for 2011.
"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," managing director Eric Boullier said.
"We are pleased to welcome Nick to the team and look forward to a strong start to the season with him and Vitaly in Bahrain."
Pedro de la Rosa and Vitantonio Liuzzi were also believed to be under consideration by Lotus Renault, but Heidfeld impressed during the recent test runs in Jerez, Spain.
"The team has been through a very difficult couple of weeks and we had to react quickly. We gave Nick a chance in Jerez last week and he really impressed us," Boullier said. "He's quick, experienced and is very strong technically with his feedback and understanding of the car."
Heidfeld and Petrov will both test at Barcelona, starting with pit-stop practice today.
Heidfeld will then test alone tomorrow and on Monday.
"I have a good feeling for the car, which is quite innovative," Heidfeld said. "I'm extremely motivated and can't wait for the season to begin."
The team announced yesterday that the 33-year-old Heidfeld will partner Russian driver Vitaly Petrov at next month's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Kubica is still recovering in hospital after crashing while competing in a rally earlier this month, undergoing extensive surgery to repair damage to his right hand.
"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.
Heidfeld has vast experience, starting 172 F1 races over the last 11 seasons. He drove for Sauber in five races last season, but missed out on a seat for 2011.
"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," managing director Eric Boullier said.
"We are pleased to welcome Nick to the team and look forward to a strong start to the season with him and Vitaly in Bahrain."
Pedro de la Rosa and Vitantonio Liuzzi were also believed to be under consideration by Lotus Renault, but Heidfeld impressed during the recent test runs in Jerez, Spain.
"The team has been through a very difficult couple of weeks and we had to react quickly. We gave Nick a chance in Jerez last week and he really impressed us," Boullier said. "He's quick, experienced and is very strong technically with his feedback and understanding of the car."
Heidfeld and Petrov will both test at Barcelona, starting with pit-stop practice today.
Heidfeld will then test alone tomorrow and on Monday.
"I have a good feeling for the car, which is quite innovative," Heidfeld said. "I'm extremely motivated and can't wait for the season to begin."
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