Heidfeld goes to London High Court to seek F1 return

Aug 26, 2011, 9:28 GMT

Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium - German driver Nick Heidfeld is taking his claim to be re-installed at Renault to the High Court in London, his manager confirmed.

Heidfeld's manager Andre Theuerzeit said Heidfeld hoped to be back behind the wheel at Renault in time to race in Singapore.

The Lotus Renault team has replaced Heidfeld by test and reserve driver Bruno Senna for Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix and the race in two weeks in Italy.

Heidfeld's management in a statement late Thursday said Heidfeld, 34, was taking legal action to enforce the team to honour its contract with the driver.

London's High Court is expected to adjudicate before the Singapore night race on September 19.

'I am disappointed that the team is allowed to let another driver take Nick's seat for the next weekends,' Theuerzeit said.

'However, I certainly am confident that we will be able to enforce a fair solution for Nick in the further proceedings.

'We all hope that Nick will be back in the cockpit in Singapore.'

Heidfeld, who had appeared in the paddock in Spa on Thursday wearing full team kit, said: 'I was surprised by the team's intention to replace me and regret that things have developed this way.

'I just wanted to be in the cockpit to get the best result for the team and me. I still have a clear contract and I want to drive.'

Heidfeld, who has 183 Grand Prix starts but no victories, was hired by Renault at the start of the year as replacement for Robert Kubica after the Pole was seriously injured in a rally accident.

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