Formula One news

Piquet and Zonta confirmed as Renault test drivers

Having confirmed Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikko Kovalainen as its race drivers, Renault has also announced that it has hired two Brazilian test drivers in the form of F1 veteran Ricardo Zonta and GP2 star Nelson Piquet Jr.

Ricardo Zonta, 30, possesses eight seasons of Formula 1 experience, both as a race and test driver. His proven track record, combined with extensive technical knowledge, will be major assets in the development of the 2007 challenger and its adaptation to the new tyre regulations. He will join the Renault F1 Team after four seasons at Toyota.

Nelson Piquet Jr., 21, has marked himself out as man of the future during the 2005 A1 Grand Prix and 2006 GP2 Series championships. Son of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, Nelsinho has shown both speed and guile in GP2, taking four race wins and five pole positions so far to put him second in the championship, with two races remaining. His role with the Renault F1 Team will allow him to develop his credentials in motorsport's leading discipline.

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