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Alonso leaves; the beginning of the end
In 2010 the French car manufacturer fielded a fresh-faced look for the team in the form of Polish driver Robert Kubica and Russian driver Vitaly Petrov – who at that point was the only Russian driver in Formula One.
A rock solid performance from both drivers – especially Kubica’s 3 podiums helped them snatch 5th in the standings.
In 2011 they consolidated their 5th place despite losing their star driver Kubica who suffered injuries in a rallying accident that effectively ended his Formula One career. The Polish speedster nearly lost his arm in that accident, and although he continues to partiipate in rally racing, he has since himself said that the injuries he suffered would make an F1 return “impossible.”
German Nick Heidfeld, who was later replaced by Bruno Senna from the Belgian GP onwards, had then been Kubica’s replacement. To Heidfeld’s credit, he scored their final podium as a works team and teammate Vitaly Petrov too achieved his maiden podium the very same year.
It was the last time the Renault team participated as a constructor. Well until Lotus’ problems presented an opportunity for then to make a triumphant return to racing. Who knows what could happen next season? I say ROLL ON 2016!!!
