Heidfeld and Liuzzi in frame for Renault drive

With Robert Kubica almost certain to miss the majority of, if not all, of the 2011 season following his Italian rally accident on Sunday morning, a number of names are now being linked to the vacant Lotus Renault GP seat alongside Vitaly Petrov.

Although all thoughts continue to remain with the injured Pole, who requires at least another two operations following initial seven-hour surgery on Sunday, a selection of drivers are already being named as possible replacements – not least 2007 World Champion and current World Rally driver Kimi Räikkönen.

With Kubica out of action, the search is now on for a substitute

However, Team Principal Eric Boullier has now also mentioned former Sauber and Force India racers Nick Heidfeld and Vitantonio Liuzzi as candidates.

“We spent about a quarter of an hour with Robert (in hospital),” Boullier explained to IVG.it. “We joked and were in good spirits. Of course, he immediately wanted to know the team’s schedule for this season.

“We are searching for a Kubica replacement. The possible names are (reserve driver) Senna, Liuzzi and Heidfeld. The team is close to Robert, though, and we are waiting with open arms, hoping he can return by the end of the season.”