08/02/2011
NEWS STORY
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Lotus Renault GP boss Eric Boullier has confirmed that Nick Heidfeld, Tonio Liuzzi and Bruno Senna are all under consideration as short-term replacements for Robert Kubica as the Pole recovers from injuries incurred when he crashed on Sunday.
Speaking at the Santa Corona hospital in Pietra Ligure, where Kubica is recovering, Boullier confirmed that Bruno Senna will drive in this week's test at Jerez which begins on Thursday. However, looking ahead as to who will replace Kubica at the start of the season he revealed that three drivers are in the frame.
"The first one driving will, at the moment, be our first test driver," Boullier said. "In the meantime, we will look for Kubica's substitute: the names considered are Senna, Liuzzi and Heidfeld."
Earlier in the day, surgeons at the hospital said they were delighted with the Pole's continuing progress, though they warned that he faces further surgery later in the week.
With no clear timescale regarding Kubica's return, the British team will be looking for the driver who stands the best chance of getting results from the outset, which would appear to rule out Senna, who, like the team's second driver, Vitaly Petrov, only made his F1 debut last season.
While Liuzzi is fast, and in the eyes of many an unfulfilled talent capable of a lot more than his stats suggest, Heidfeld is also highly regarded and worthy of another shot in a decent car.
Asked about his brief meeting with Kubica this afternoon, Boullier said: "We were with him for about 15 minutes. We have joked and we have found him very well. Obviously he immediately wanted to know the team's programme for this season.
"The team is close to Robert," he added, "we wait for him with open arms and we hope he can come back before the end of the season."