Lotus Renault GP and Nick Heidfeld announce separation

Lotus Renault GP and Nick Heidfeld have reached an amicable settlement today and have chosen to part company with immediate effect. This announcement enables both parties to bring the matter to a close and concentrate on their respective sporting challenges in the future.

Eric Boullier, LRGP Team Principal and Managing Director: “Our disagreement with Nick has been the subject of much media coverage lately, and we are pleased to have reached a swift and reasonable solution. Our separation process was already a painful one, and neither of us wanted to go through another legal hearing. We’re very grateful to Nick for the highly valuable contribution he’s made to the team. We certainly had good times together, in particular remembering our podium finish in Malaysia. He is a very strong and determined racer and we wish him every success in the future.”

Nick Heidfeld: “Obviously I’m disappointed to be leaving Lotus Renault GP in the middle of the season. I thought I could still make a big contribution to the team, but I have to see things as they are and I want to turn my attention to the future. We have taken the right decision by choosing to end our collaboration today. I would like to wish all the friends I made at Enstone a successful end to the season. One thing is for sure - I’ll be back racing at the highest level soon.”

Both parties consider the matter settled and will refrain from making any further public statements on the issue in the future.

Lotus Renault GP announced a few minutes after that Bruno Senna has been named as a race driver alongside Vitaly Petrov for the remainder of the 2011 Formula 1 season. Romain Grosjean remains the team’s third driver.