Formula One news

Piquet: We're not far behind

Renault's test driver Nelson Piquet r. believes his team is not far behind Ferrari and McLaren. The 21-year-old Brazilian travelled to Malaysia first week to join the team at the official test session.

"For sure as the reigning world champions, we haven't begun the season as it would have wished," said Piquet in Malaysia. "Renault would have liked to battle for victory right from the outset, but with the new Bridgestone tyres nobody really knew what to expect. It's a huge change. I don't think we're too far behind the leaders, but it's a question of a host of small details that we have to improve."

"The team's working night and day to get there. There are new developments in the pipe line, and last week's test session showed just how quickly Renault can react."

During the test session in Malaysia Piquet said the team made a lot of progress. "The test days were very positive and useful. Every mile we cover in testing allows us to learn something new, to familiarise ourselves with the tracks and then to get to know them better. I think that in the four days the team made noticeable progress as shown by the time set by Heikki on the final day. We're still learning about the behaviour of the tyres and how best to adapt them to the car and we've made a step forward in this area."

more news

• 24 Jul.
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  • Jerez too hot for Toyota
• 23 Jul.
  • Force India joins the action
  • Piquet back behind the wheel
  • Vettel gets to grips with slicks
  • Vettel still on top in Jerez
  • Buemi eyes Toro Rosso for 2009
  • BMW mechanic kept in hospital overnight
  • Photos: Wednesday in Jerez
  • Q&A with Timo Glock
• 22 Jul.
  • Toyota spends day running slicks
  • Grosjean back in action for Renault
  • Vettel sets pace at Jerez
  • 'Shocked' mechanic ends BMW's day at Jerez
  • Renault still targets fourth
  • Photos: Tuesday in Jerez
  • Hamilton on his German Grand Prix win
  • Testing gets under way at Jerez
  • Ferrari boss confused by Kimi's lack of pace
• 21 Jul.
  • Ferrari boss reflects on tough race
  • Glock leaves hospital
  • Mercedes enjoys Hamilton's victory
  • McLaren boss explains strategy call
  • Symonds grateful to lady luck
• 20 Jul.
  • McLaren celebrates Hockenheim victory
  • Not a good day at Ferrari
  • Glock to stay in hospital overnight
  • Piquet comes good for Renault
  • Both BMWs bring home points
  • No joy for Force India
  • Pointless afternoon for Williams
  • Honda hoped for more in Germany
  • Vettel takes another point for Toro Rosso
  • Disappointing day for Red Bull
  • Glock unhurt in Toyota's pointless race
  • Victorious Hamilton would have preferred easy ride
  • Hamilton storms to victory at Hockenheim
  • Photos: Sunday in Hockenheim
  • McLaren deny moving for Rosberg
  • No decision on Honda drivers yet - Brawn

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