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Renault call up Heidfeld as stand-in

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-02-10 11:17

Sauber Formula One driver Nick Heidfeld of Germany walks along the pits after the second practice session of the Singapore F1 Grand Prix at the Marina Bay circuit September 24, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - Renault called up German Formula One driver Nick Heidfeld on Wednesday as a possible replacement for injured Robert Kubica.

The team said in a statement that Heidfeld, who last raced with Sauber in 2010, would join Russian Vitaly Petrov and Brazilian Bruno Senna at the second pre-season test in Jerez, Spain, this week.

Poland's Kubica is in hospital in Italy after suffering  serious arm, leg and hand injuries while competing in a minor rally near Genoa last Sunday. He will be out for several months and could miss the entire season.

Senna, nephew of the late triple champion Ayrton, is the official reserve driver but lacks the veteran Heidfeld's experience.

"Vitaly will drive the R31 on Thursday and Friday, as originally scheduled," the Lotus-backed team said.

"For Saturday and Sunday, the team will give mileage to Bruno Senna and will also evaluate Nick Heidfeld, who is a potential replacement for Robert Kubica as a race driver.

"The exact running order for the weekend will be confirmed on Friday evening."