Nick Heidfeld and the Renault team have come to an agreement to part company - reaching a settlement out of court. Renault brought Bruno Senna in to drive for them in place of Heidfeld at last week’s Belgian Grand Prix, citing that the German had failed to live up to expectations and was not leading the team like they’d hoped.

Heidfeld was adamant he had a contract with the team for the rest of the season, and was prepared to take them to court, but both parties have now agreed on a somewhat amicable split. Speaking about the matter, Heidfeld said: “Obviously I’m disappointed to be leaving in the middle of the season. I thought I could still make a big contribution to the team, but I have to see things as they are and I want to turn my attention to the future.” He went on to thank the friends he made at the team, and in return, team boss Eric Boullier thanked Heidfeld for the “valuable contribution” he made.

With Senna drafted in for the rest of the season, GP2 champion Romain Grosjean steps up his third driver role, with a straight line test in Duxford for Renault already completed on Thursday.