Heidfeld confident he has impressed Renault
Nick Heidfeld put Renault at the top of the timing screens on Saturday © Sutton Images
Nick Heidfeld is confident he has done enough to secure his position on the 2011 grid as Robert Kubica's replacement at Renault.
Team boss Eric Boullier is expected to make an announcement about the position on Monday, after Heidfeld tested the R31 on Saturday and set the fastest time.
"I have the feeling I have passed this test," Heidfeld told Auto Motor und Sport. "I could do no more than my best."
But he played down the significance of topping the timesheets. "Anyone can do that if they really want to, with little fuel and super soft tyres."
He admitted that benefitting from the ill fortune of a friend is a "funny feeling".
"You know very well that someone's bad luck might turn out well for you and obviously I'd like to come back in different circumstances," he said. "But it's a chance and you have to use it. I've sent Robert a text message and I will visit him in hospital, but I am hearing that his condition is improving every day. You can tell he is very popular here and is the clear number one. I hope he can come back as fast as possible."
He added: "By the way, it was Renault who called me and not the other way around."
One of his tasks for this week is to apply for the renewal of his super license. "Before, it was not high on my agenda!" he laughed.
And Boullier has confirmed that Bruno Senna, who tested the car on Sunday, was never in contention for a 2011 race seat, but instead was gaining experience for his role as Renault's reserve driver.
"Senna's day of testing was not to evaluate him, but rather to give him some mileage to prepare him in his role as the third driver," Boullier said.
Senna was off the pace of Heidfeld, but was happy with his day at the wheel.
"I was not competing with him," he is quoted by Globo Esporte. "I came here in my role as third driver. For preparation you need more than one day in the car - they need a driver that's ready to do it.
"The work I did gives me new chances with the team for the future, and they seemed to like what I did."
Credit: ESPN F1 (espn.com)
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