Senna handed Renault debut
Bruno Senna is to make his grand prix debut for Renault at this weekend's race in Belgium.
Following speculation this week, the team have confirmed Senna will partner Vitaly Petrov at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, with Nick Heidfeld making way.
Brazilian Senna spent last season with Hispania Racing, competing in 18 of the 19 races without scoring a point, with his best finish 14th place in Korea. After being released by Hispania, Senna signed up with Renault as one of their numerous test drivers for this year.
The 27-year-old was finally given his maiden outing in the car in first practice in the Hungarian Grand Prix nearly four weeks ago, again with Heidfeld the man to stand down.
Team principal Eric Boullier has been unable to hide his disappointment at Heidfeld's performances this season after the veteran German was recruited as a replacement for Robert Kubica following the Pole's horrendous rallying accident in February.
Heidfeld's qualifying displays, in particular, have been a source of considerable concern, with the 34-year-old making the top 10 on just four occasions from the 11 races so far.
In contrast, Petrov has reached the top 10 on eight occasions, yet trails Heidfeld in the drivers' standings by two points due to the latter's race form being the stronger.
Despite that, with Heidfeld eighth and Petrov ninth in the table, Renault have decided to give Senna his opportunity for this weekend.
