Mercedes is interested in Kubica for 2010

One reason why the Mercedes team (formerly Brawn GP) is slow to confirm its second driver for the next season is the uncertainty surrounding Renault’s future in F1.

The French team confirmed a few months ago the recruitment of Kubica to replace Alonso, who is leaving for Ferrari. However, rumors and the lack of positive information from the heads of the diamond suggest that Renault is considering withdrawing from F1 at the end of this year. The CEO of the French manufacturer recently stated to the media that a decision on the future of the F1 team will be made at the beginning of the new year.

The Spanish newspaper Diario AS stated yesterday that if Renault were to cease its involvement in Formula 1, the Polish driver Robert Kubica would automatically be declared without a valid current contract. Signing this promising driver alongside Nico Rosberg is clearly a goal for Mercedes, especially now that there are no more highly ranked drivers free of any contract.

Renault, for its part, still has to announce its second driver for next season, with Montagny and Kobayashi seeming to have the best chances. Meanwhile, some information from international media reported that the diamond could sell 40% of its F1 team to a Russian investor, although none of these allegations have been confirmed.

Despite all the rumors surrounding it, the French team continues its preparation and has announced the drivers who will participate in the rookie test session in Jerez next week: the Brazilian Lucas Di Grassi, who seems close to a deal with Manor, the Belgian Bertrand Baguette, reigning Formula Renault 3.5 champion, and the Chinese Ho-Pin Tung.