It is claimed that Bruno Senna is to replace Nick Heidfeld in this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix and possibly for the rest of the season.

The claim is made by team boss turned pundit Eddie Jordan who says Senna has been brought in as the British team loses patience with Heidfeld who was brought in to replace Robert Kubica following his pre-season rally crash.

For some weeks it has been said that senior members of the Lotus Renault GP squad were tiring of Heidfeld's lack of success, Jordan recently describing their treatment of the German as "bullying".

It is qualifying, in particular, in which Heidfeld is really struggling, the German out-qualified 8 times by his Russian teammate. In terms of points, Heidfeld has 34 to Petrov's 32, the German finishing in the points six times to his teammate's five points finishes.

Tonight the Irishman claimed on the BBC website that the German, who is paid a salary by the team, has been dropped for this weekend in favour of the Brazilian, who, Jordan stresses, brings several millions pounds of sponsorship with him.

On the other hand, it is understood that Heidfeld, who originally looked to be without a seat this year, will not go without a fight.

Late on Monday evening, as the story begins to gain momentum, Renault is refusing to comment.