Lopez: ‘Renault expected more from Heidfeld’

Gerard Lopez, co-owner and chairman of the Renault Formula 1 team, has admitted to mixed emotions when it comes to Nick Heidfeld.

The German was drafted in to replace Robert Kubica at the last minute after the Polish driver was badly injured in a rally accident during the off-season.

He has struggled to perform on the level that was expected of him and he currently sits eighth, just two points ahead of his Russian teammate, Vitaly Petrov, only in his second F1 season.

Whilst Lopez admitted disappointment in the 34-year-old, he said the team must recognise his significant contribution in the early stages of the season.

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“I have mixed feelings about Nick [Heidfeld] in the light of the recent criticism he has come under,” Lopez told ToileF1. “We must recognize his invaluable contribution in the early part of the season.

“He helped us develop the car around the new exhaust system which was not easy to understand. It allowed us to have a clear direction for the development of our car.”

However, in terms of results, the businessman added: “There is no doubt that we expected more from him and we are disappointed.”

Meanwhile, Lopez praised the young Petrov for his efforts so far.

“People were surprised by his good performances early in the season compared to last year,” he said. “We were not surprised at all, as we have always believed in Vitaly’s capabilities since we the beginning and now people are beginning to discover that we were right.”