Formula One news

Piccione taking alternative F1 route

Clivio Piccione believes that by moving from GP2 to the World Series by Renault he is actually increasing his chances of getting into Formula One.

The 23-year-old recently signed for RC Motorsport for the 2007 season, having spent two years in GP2 with Durango Racing and DPR Direxiv. GP2 is seen as the leading feeder-series to Formula One but the Monegasque driver believes that the World Series by Renault will be better for securing a testing role on F1 Friday practice sessions. Moreover Piccione claims that he potentially has the necessary backing to secure a third seat.

"We have a lot of interest from potential sponsors in Formula 1 and our discussions are ongoing for Formula 1 sponsorship," he said.

Last year Robert Kubica, Markus Winkelhock and Giorgio Mondini all managed to get their chance in Formula One, with varying degrees of success, having qualified from the World Series by Renault.

"Driving in the World Series by Renault will allow me to undertake Grand Prix Friday testing as a third driver. A lot of drivers have moved from the World Series by Renault straight to F1 and I see this championship as an ideal stepping stone for my career especially with a team like RC Motorsport. As a team they have had a lot of success with some great drivers. They were also second in the championship last year, which proves the potential is already there to win the championship and I believe we can win together," he added.

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