Piquet Would Bet on Alonso for 2010 F1 Title

Nelson Piquet is no longer involved in Formula One action, but that doesn't mean he doesn't keep a close eye on what's happening in the Great Circus in 2010. The Brazilian driver who was involved in the famous crash-gate last year has already found a new path in his motor racing career – North American stock car racing – but admitted he looks at former Renault teammate Fernando Alonso as top favorite for the 2010 title.

“He was such a good driver that, to try to get to his level, I had to push myself in ways I did not know even existed,” admitted Piquet Jr. when discussing the Spaniard's odds for the F1 title this year, according to Globo.

Additionally, he said he considers Alonso the main favorite for the world crown, especially after spending 2 years in a struggling Renault car. The two partnered each other for no less than 28 races through the 2008 and 2009 seasons at Enstone.

As far as his own F1 prospects go, Piquet Jr. once again insisted that his story in the Great Circus is not necessarily over, as a later chapter might appear at a future date. For the time being, his trips to Europe will experience a drastic reduction, his only racing appearance on the old continent being scheduled for Open GT race at Barcelona, in a Ferrari 430, in late October.

“I cannot say that I will never return to Formula One,” added the 24-year old racer, who is now starting a brand new career in NASCAR (where he already debuted in February, in the Truck Series). According to his statements earlier this year, his plan is to advance to NASCAR's premier series Sprint Cup in 3 to 4 years time, taking the example of former Grand Prix racer Juan Pablo Montoya.