Formula One news

Piquet not feeling the pressure

Nelson Piquet Jr will be Renault test and reserve driver for 2007, which he hopes will kick-start his Formula One career. He says, however, that he does not feel the pressure of joining a long list of Brazilian legends who have graced the sport such as Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, as well as his father Nelson Piquet.  

"I am very proud to belong to a tradition that includes so many great champions, and Brazil has a great history in Formula One," the Brazilian told formula1.com.

"But what matters to me are the things that are coming in the future, not those that are in the past. I am only at the start of my career, and I am not putting the pressure on myself of having to match the achievements of people who came before me."

Looking at the present, Piquet seems to be settling in well at Renault and laying down a solid foundation, from which to develop. He particularly impressed the Renault team at his first test in his new official role at Barcelona last week.

"It was fantastic. The R26 is a great car, and the whole Renault team is very welcoming and very professional. I have done three tests now, and they have given me the time to learn how things work, to adapt my style and to continue improving

"I have done good times, and I am improving with each lap that I do. The hardest thing in Formula One is finding the consistency, to be on the limit for every lap without going over the edge. One quick lap is maybe not so tough these days, but it is a big challenge to stay quick on every lap as the car and tyres change, especially with the new Bridgestone tyres and the lower grip levels. It takes thousands of kilometers to develop those skills, and that is my goal at the moment."

more news

• 28 Nov.
  • Raikkonen close to Citroen WRC deal
  • Tung looking for 'useful' test
• 27 Nov.
  • Montreal seals Formula One contract
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010

Homepage