Feb.17 (GMM) Bruno Senna on Thursday backed Renault's appointment of Nick Heidfeld to replace the injured Robert Kubica this year.

Apart from veteran Heidfeld and other more experienced names, the Lotus-sponsored team's new third driver Senna - who tested the R31 at Jerez - was touted as arguably a more courageous substitute for the start of the 2011 season.

But Brazil's Globo Esporte quoted the former HRT racer as saying: "The team was looking for an experienced guy to replace the main driver of the team.

"Among the options, Heidfeld was the logical choice because of his experience of more than 10 years in formula one, and the role he played with the development of the current Pirelli tyres," added 27-year-old Senna.

The report said Senna will be at Barcelona for the four-day test beginning on Friday, but only as the reserve driver.

"I was happy with the chance I got (at Jerez)," he said. "Now, I hope to help the team as much as I can this year."

Latest F1 News - Mobile version

26 Feb: New Ferrari not quickest in field - Domenicali 26 Feb: Red Bull still best in 2013 - Tost 26 Feb: 2014 French grand prix 'possible' - Prost 26 Feb: Danica Patrick 'not interested' in F1 switch 26 Feb: Report - Gilles Simon working on F1 engine for Honda 26 Feb: Gutierrez plays down link to Carlos Slim 26 Feb: Caterham exhaust 'legal' insists van der Garde 26 Feb: McLaren replaces Mercedes-bound Lowe 25 Feb: 'Engine maps' trouble for Red Bull, Lotus - report 25 Feb: Mercedes-bound Lowe to miss 2013 opener - report 25 Feb: Mercedes 'in group of teams' behind Red Bull - Lauda 25 Feb: Gutierrez expects Hulkenberg to beat him early in 2013 25 Feb: New Ferrari 'much better' than 2012 - Massa 25 Feb: Teams 'will adapt' to new tyre situation - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Tight rules make today's F1 cars 'the same' - Forghieri 25 Feb: Williams removes controversial exhaust trick 25 Feb: Contract 'conflicts' cause of Marussia test snub - Razia 25 Feb: Lotus to fight Red Bull for title - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Marussia 'ahead of Caterham' - Chilton 25 Feb: Sutil will not stay in F1 as test driver The latest F1 News - Mobile Version