From GMM
Nelson Piquet has admitted he might lose his Renault Formula 1 seat because the team is under pressure to sign a French driver in 2009.
The Brazilian rookie has enjoyed better form lately at the wheel of the improved R28, but he said a mostly difficult 2008 season could mean he will drop out of the team.
"I think Renault are in need. It's been a few years since they had a French driver," the 23-year-old is quoted as saying by Reuters.
Twenty-two-year-old Romain Grosjean, a Renault test driver and GP2 racer, was born in Switzerland but he competes with a French racing license.
It is rumoured that, should Piquet Jr be replaced, he could head to Honda next year, where new backer Petrobras is pushing for a Brazilian driver for 2009.
"There are always discussions," Piquet admitted.
"Paddocks are not very big: we talk. Everyone knows what everyone is doing. Everyone is waiting for the other's decision."
First and foremost, he is waiting on Renault's decision, as the Enstone based team pushes for Fernando Alonso to stay for next year.
"I don't know what is happening," Piquet is quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
"(Renault) will make a decision, maybe they have already done that. But I haven't been told anything yet."
He believes even a great performance and result at his home race this weekend, the last of the 2008 season, will not alter the outcome.
"I don't think it will make a difference, we've had 17 races already," he said.
"It wasn't the year I expected, but I learned a lot."
photo:Renault
Nelson Piquet has admitted he might lose his Renault Formula 1 seat because the team is under pressure to sign a French driver in 2009.
The Brazilian rookie has enjoyed better form lately at the wheel of the improved R28, but he said a mostly difficult 2008 season could mean he will drop out of the team.
 |
| Romain Grosjean |
"I think Renault are in need. It's been a few years since they had a French driver," the 23-year-old is quoted as saying by Reuters.
Twenty-two-year-old Romain Grosjean, a Renault test driver and GP2 racer, was born in Switzerland but he competes with a French racing license.
It is rumoured that, should Piquet Jr be replaced, he could head to Honda next year, where new backer Petrobras is pushing for a Brazilian driver for 2009.
"There are always discussions," Piquet admitted.
"Paddocks are not very big: we talk. Everyone knows what everyone is doing. Everyone is waiting for the other's decision."
First and foremost, he is waiting on Renault's decision, as the Enstone based team pushes for Fernando Alonso to stay for next year.
"I don't know what is happening," Piquet is quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
"(Renault) will make a decision, maybe they have already done that. But I haven't been told anything yet."
He believes even a great performance and result at his home race this weekend, the last of the 2008 season, will not alter the outcome.
"I don't think it will make a difference, we've had 17 races already," he said.
"It wasn't the year I expected, but I learned a lot."
photo:Renault