ESPNF1 Staff
July 24, 2011
Bruno Senna has only had a watching brief at race weekends so far this season © Sutton Images
Bruno Senna will drive for Renault in Friday practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix next weekend, replacing Nick Heidfeld.
Senna was believed to be in contention for a race seat with Renault as a replacement for the injured Robert Kubica at the start of the season, but was overlooked in favour of Heidfeld's experience. So far Senna has only been able to drive the car in pre-season testing and one straight line aero test in May, and team principal Eric Boullier said the time was right to give the third driver some in-season track time.
"We feel now is the right time to give Bruno a chance to drive for us during a Free Practice session," Boullier said. "Although he's done some mileage with our R29 and R31 already this year, driving in a Friday session will provide him invaluable experience with the R31 during a race weekend. It will also give us with a chance to see how Bruno adapts to driving during a competitive practice session. As of Free Practice 2, Nick will return to the car for the remainder of the weekend alongside Vitaly."
Senna himself said that he was looking forward to the opportunity, and that his previous time in the car should allow him to get up to speed quickly.
"I'm really excited to be driving in FP1 at the Hungaroring," Senna said. "It's not very often you get these opportunities with big teams, and I'm very grateful for getting this chance. Hopefully I can do a good job and show the team the potential I have, and help us move forward. I've done some productive work in the R31 already this year - though never during a race weekend - so I know the car layout well and I'm confident it will be a smooth transition. I'm looking forward to working with the team during the session to ensure a good car set-up for Nick when he resumes driving in FP2".
Heidfeld said he that he understood the decision, even though he would be left with less track time ahead of the race.
"Firstly, I would like to say I'm fully behind the decision," Heidfeld said. "Even though I would like to drive every session, it's important for Third Drivers to have a chance to practice throughout the year; it is a good opportunity for Bruno to get some valuable race weekend practice time. I'm supportive of the team's decision and look forward to returning to the car from FP2 onwards."
Credit: ESPN F1 (en.espnf1.com)
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