Senna to get Renault chance in Hungary

Bruno Senna will get his chance to impress the Renault team this weekend when he takes over from Nick Heidfeld for Friday's first practice session.

Senna joined Renault as third driver earlier this year and has some experience of the car during the pre-season winter testing schedule during February.

He has also completed a straight-line aero test for the team back in May and has some experience of the Renault set-up while driving an earlier model of the car.

But obviously nothing is quite like being involved in a Formula One race weekend and just like Karun Chandhok last Friday for Lotus, this is Senna's chance to gain some valuable experience.

“I’m really excited to be driving in FP1 at the Hungaroring, 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. Senna told formula1.com.

'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”.

Renault team principal Eric Boullier added: “We feel now is the right time to give Bruno a chance to drive for us during a Free Practice session, Although he’s done some mileage already this year, driving in a Friday session will provide him invaluable experience with the R31 during a race weekend. It will also give us with a chance to see how Bruno adapts to driving during a competitive practice session.

It will be the first time that Senna is involved in a race weekend since his days with HRT last season.

Senna drove 18 races for the team in 2010, he completed nine races with a best finish of 14th in the Korean Grand Prix.