I'm thinking either Grosjean as a simple and straightforward tie in or Kimster in a comeback. From another thread speaking of Kimi It makes perfect sense. Renault probably will be competitive. They need a #1 driver. Kimi only wants a competitive drive and under his terms. Actually its a perfect match other than the verbal "misunderstanding" earlier last year.
Probably boils down to what it'd cost to get him and whether he comes off as having the drive to want to win.
You could be right, but if they take the chance and he is good then they are genius. It's a very attractive media grabber and I think until they can nail down another driver they are stuck.
I think more pragmatic heads at Renault will win the day. While the name Senna comands media attention I hope F1 Renault has loftier goals. Like wins.
From all the reports it certainly sounds like Kubica could be out for six months or more in which case they (Renault) need someone more talented than Senna. The driver who makes the most sense would be someone like Nico H.
Hulk or Heidfeld would be my picks, and should be Renaults. Kimi is a primadonna has-been whiner. He wants to show up and drive and not be bothered outside of that, and he wants to be paid multiple tens of millions a year for that. If you're the best of the best, you can lay out your terms like that. Kimi got his ass handed to him by Massa. Twice. His stock is not near so high as he thinks. He's worth a few million a year IF he agrees to put in a solid effort, except he won't.
Hulk. I think the boat has sailed on Heidfeld. Kimi would be alright for a comeback, but I'd give him a pittance salary and make it all pay for performance.
There is not a lot of guys to do the job. as i said earlier Kimi won't be back in F1, and certainly not at renault after the story they had pre-season, and his wrc season is started and financed. He is the only "Superstar" driver available. Then there is Heidfeld who is the most experienced and more affordable. For those saying Hulkenberg, come on, the kid has a lot of potential for sure, but he has no esperience! do you really put him on a Kubica/Heidfeld level? We are not looking to replace Petrov here, but the clear n°1 of the team. Would you put him on the Ferrari to replace Alonso or Massa ?
To your question re Ferrari - Hulk to replace Alonso, no. Hulk to replace Massa - absolutely, in a heartbeat.
Yes, Hulkenberg and Heidfeld should be the most likely canditates on talent criteria alone, but there may be some contractual problems for either of them; they are test drivers in other teams. Senna, like de la Rosa, or Luizi don't seem to be at the same level somehow, although that may be unfair on Senna who never drove a competitive F1 car so far. Grosjean had his chance with Renault and didn't particularly shine; so why repeat the experience?
James Allen is usually quite concise with his F1 information and point of views. http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2011/02/why-racers-take-risks-and-why-we-love-them-for-it/ No mention of Kimi, not likely to be on the table.
Exactly my point. and it's the exact same thing for renault, the Hulk could replace Petrov, but you can't pick him to replace Kubica.
To be honest - that isn't your original point as you asked if he could replace either Alonso or Massa. Having said that, your observation that Petrov would be easier to replace than Kubica is true. The problem is that, of all the available drivers who are within the Renault price range, Hulk has a very good combination of raw speed and value for money. His inexperience is a factor, but he is not an F1 novice, and has a full season under his belt. Heidfeld is a reasonable option, but his star is faded. Not sure how expensive he would be.