Senna replaces Heidfeld at Renault

Bruno Senna has participated in just one Friday practice session so far this season © Sutton Images

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Renault has confirmed that Bruno Senna will replace Nick Heidfeld for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

Speculation has been rife that Senna would be in the seat since the BBC's Eddie Jordan claimed the switch would be made on Monday. Renault has so far been quiet on the matter as the threat of legal action from Heidfeld materialised, but it confirmed in a press release that Senna would be participating in his first grand prix of 2011. The press release in full read:

"Lotus Renault GP is pleased to announce that Bruno Senna will race alongside Vitaly Petrov at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

"Bruno will attend the Official FIA Press Conference tomorrow at 15.00.

"A press release with further details on the matter will be issued tomorrow morning."

Renault majority shareholder Gerard Lopez admitted to ESPNF1 in an exclusive interview during the mid-season break that the team was not totally satisfied with Heidfeld's performance since replacing the injured Robert Kubica back in February. While Senna is currently only confirmed for the race at Spa this weekend, ESPNF1 understands that Heidfeld will not be back in the car this season.

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