Formula One news

'Reasonable' practice for Piquet

Nelson Piquet was satisfied with first and second practice session results in Monte-Carlo on Thursday ahead of this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix. The Brazilian Renault driver finished the day ahead of double World Champion team-mate Fernando Alonso and is hoping to carry his strong run of form through to Saturday.

With Alonso eleventh on Thursday afternoon, team-mate Piquet cracked the top ten to round off an efficient day. "It always takes a few laps to get used to racing on the tight streets of Monaco but after the morning session I was back in the groove," Nelson said later. "The car worked well today and we didn't have any problems, which allowed us to complete a lot of laps."

Renault remain very much midfield runners after Thursday practice in Monaco

Following changes to the front wing and ride height of Alonso's R29, the Spaniard ended up just under three tenths of a second slower than his team-mate. "Monaco on a Thursday is always more important for the drivers than for the team because it gives us time to get used to the circuit and feel comfortable in the car," he explained. "We did quite a lot of laps today so it was useful for me and I'm happy with the car; I think that we are quite competitive but qualifying will be the key to the race and our preparation today should help ensure we get the most from the car on Saturday."

"The track was dirty this morning and improved during the day, just as it always does in Monaco," Piquet added, "but that made it difficult to evaluate the tyres and the setup changes we made. Overall, though, I think we are in reasonable shape for the weekend."

more news

• 27 Nov.
  • 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
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed

Homepage