Nick Heidfeld is confident that he will deliver a strong enough performance in testing at Jerez to earn a race drive with Renault for the start of the season.
The German will get one day of running on either Saturday or Sunday at the Spanish track, and Renault team boss Eric Boullier has said that Heidfeld will replace Robert Kubica if he impresses the team. When asked about the pressure of the situation, Heidfeld said: "I don't think like this. It's not my first time in this position. I had a shootout in Formula 3 with a load of guys, and something similar with the McLaren junior team in Formula 3000. And there was a head to head with Antonio Pizzonia at Williams.
"So, I'm very confident that I can deliver. The test here is the first and most important step for me to have the chance to race."
Heidfeld only found out on Wednesday that he would drive the car, but he is optimistic that he can get up to speed quickly in the R31.
"I will push the limit as soon as I feel confident to go there," he added. "I don't go in there thinking I will take it slow straight away, I will just do what comes naturally."