Heidfeld Set to Replace Injured Kubica at Renault, Reports Say
Nick Heidfeld is reportedly poised to join Renault for the 2011 Formula One season after Robert Kubica's rally crash, with the team evaluating options during pre-season testing.
Nick Heidfeld is expected to be confirmed as Robert Kubica’s replacement at Renault for the 2011 Formula One season, according to reports from Germany. The move comes after Kubica suffered serious injuries in a rally crash, leaving the team in urgent need of an experienced driver ahead of the new season.
Renault had already announced that Heidfeld, 33, would test at Jerez as a potential stand-in for Kubica, but German newspaper Bild-Zeitung reported that the decision to run Heidfeld as a race driver had effectively been made. Heidfeld reportedly completed a seat fitting for the R31 chassis at the team’s Enstone base, a sign that preparations were advancing quickly.
The team faces a compressed timeline, with the opening round in Bahrain approaching and Kubica’s recovery expected to take several months. Renault’s other full-time driver, Vitaly Petrov, enters only his second season and lacks Heidfeld’s experience, which is seen as crucial for developing the new car and maximising its competitiveness in Kubica’s absence.
Renault’s Options and Testing Plans
While Bild-Zeitung suggested Heidfeld’s deal was all but done, Renault has not made an official announcement. A spokesperson told the DPA news agency that it would be premature to confirm a replacement while Kubica remained in intensive care. Team owner Gerard Lopez stated publicly that the team would use both the Jerez and Barcelona tests to evaluate its options, and that other drivers, including Vitantonio Liuzzi and Bruno Senna, could be considered if necessary.
- Heidfeld: Grand Prix veteran, previously with Sauber, BMW and Williams.
- Liuzzi: Former Force India and Toro Rosso driver, available for evaluation.
- Senna: Drove for HRT in 2010, also linked as a potential stand-in.
Heidfeld was previously considered for a full-time seat alongside Kubica before the team confirmed Petrov for a second season. His reputation for technical feedback and consistency has made him a leading candidate now that Renault needs a proven performer to support car development and race strategy.
Kubica’s Recovery and Team Prospects
Kubica’s injuries, sustained in a rally crash in Italy, have left Renault with a major gap to fill just weeks before the season opener. While the team has expressed hope for his eventual return, the immediate focus is on ensuring the new R31 is competitive from the start. Heidfeld’s experience with multiple teams and his history of solid results make him a logical choice to steady the line-up.
No official confirmation has been given by Renault, but with pre-season testing underway and limited time before the first race, a decision is expected soon. The team’s priority is to field a driver capable of scoring points and supporting Petrov through the early part of the championship.
