Renault will put third driver Bruno Senna in the car for Free Practice 1 in Hungary this Friday as a one-off opportunity.
Nick Heidfeld will sit out the session to allow Senna his first chance to drive the R31 at a race weekend since he joined the team in February.
Bruno, nephew of F1 legend Ayrton Senna, completed 18 races for HRT last season – his best finish was fourteenth in the Korean Grand Prix.
“I'm really excited to be driving in FP1 at the Hungaroring,” said the Brazilian. “It's not very often you get these opportunities with big teams, and I'm very grateful for getting this chance. Hopefully I can do a good job and show the team the potential I have, and help us move forward.
“I've done some productive work in the R31 already this year – though never during a race weekend – so I know the car layout well and I'm confident it will be a smooth transition. I'm looking forward to working with the team during the session to ensure a good car set-up for Nick when he resumes driving in FP2”.
Heidfeld said that he supported the team’s decision, but will be pleased to get back in the car on Friday afternoon. “Firstly, I would like to say I'm fully behind the decision,” said the German. “Even though I would like to drive every session, it's important for Third Drivers to have a chance to practice throughout the year; it is a good opportunity for Bruno to get some valuable race weekend practice time. I'm supportive of the team's decision and look forward to returning to the car from FP2 onwards.”
