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F1: Lotus Renault not denying Heidfeld/Senna rumours

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

Less than one day before the drivers file into the Spa-Francorchamps paddock, there is no confirmation about Nick Heidfeld's apparent loss of his Lotus Renault race seat.

Multiple media sources are unofficially confirming Heidfeld's former boss Eddie Jordan's claim this week that Bruno Senna will be in the black R31 alongside Vitaly Petrov this weekend in Belgium and possibly beyond.

Germany's Bild newspaper said Renault is not denying the story.

"We do not want to comment on speculation," a spokesperson is quoted as saying.

Bruno Senna (Photo: Rene Fagnan/Auto123.com)

And Auto Motor und Sport said 34-year-old Heidfeld's management is also not commenting.

Finland's Turun Sanomat said the situation is complicated, with Lotus Renault apparently already behind in its scheduled payments to the German driver.

The newspaper also said Renault is unable to drop Heidfeld without compensating him, with his contract to replace Robert Kubica in 2011 "skilfully" negotiated by his manager.

It is also reported that Senna will only be given the official green light when his Brazilian sponsors sign on the dotted line.

And with the Genii-linked Romain Grosjean rumoured to be in line for the seat once he has wrapped up the GP2 title, Turun Sanomat said those sponsors "are not so eager to put up money for only two grands prix".

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
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