Formula One news

Piquet needs confidence - Symonds

Renault engineering director Pay Symonds says Nelson Piquet Jr can stil impress this season, despite a difficult start to the year in which he has failed to match or keep pace with team mate Alonso.

Symonds' words of encouragement come amid growing speculation that Piquet will not see out the year at Renault and that the team is growing warmer to the idea of replacing him.

"It's been difficult for Nelson, but he has put in some good drives," Symonds said. "This time last year a lot of people thought Heikki had reached the end of the road and he had an incredible weekend in Canada, because after the crash on Saturday things couldn't really have gone much worse."

"To me it's still a miracle we repaired his car in time to qualify and then he had a great race on Sunday and never looked back," he added. "I've said it before, but a lot about being a driver is about self-esteem and believing in yourself. All Nelson needs to do is believe in himself and it will happen."

more news

• 24 Nov.
  • 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
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas
  • Clock ticking for Silverstone
  • Williams sells first shares
  • Official: Bianchi handed Ferrari test
  • My door is open, says Trulli
  • Button: I needed a new challenge
• 19 Nov.
  • Brawn 'very disappointed' with Button outcome
  • Sons release birthday song for Jackie Stewart
  • Räikkönen: No talks with Brawn
  • No early Brawn exit for Button
  • 'Unfinished business' for Räikkönen
  • 2010: How the grid is shaping up
• 18 Nov.
  • Button move a mistake, says Stewart
  • Donington goes into administration
  • Villeneuve working on F1 comeback
  • Whitmarsh: Money not the reason for Button move

Homepage