Renault Confirm Piquet for Hungarian GP

Renault confirmed, during the course of this morning, that it will keep Nelsinho Piquet for at least one more race this season. That means the Brazilian sophomore will make the grid of the Hungarian Grand Prix, scheduled two weekends from now, at the Hungaroring.

There were several media reports issued in Piquet's very home country suggesting that Flavio Briatore had already made plans for Romain Grosjean's debut in Formula One, alongside Alonso, in Hungary. As argued by the South American journalists, Piquet's contract with Renault had a clause by which the 23-year old would be forced out of the team if he didn't have at least half of Alonso's points by mid-season.

Piquet is yet to score a point in 2009, whereas Alonso has scored 13 points in the first 9 rounds of this season.

However, talking to journalists on Friday, Piquet confirmed he is now preparing for the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he is scheduled to drive the same car as his teammate Alonso. Back in Germany, despite qualifying ahead of the 2-time world champion, Piquet's car did not benefit from the latest aerodynamic changes brought to the R29.

“I should have the same upgrades as Fernando in Hungary and I think I can be more competitive. Points must be the target in Hungary,” said Piquet earlier today.

During last week's German Grand Prix, the newly-improved R29 scored the fastest time on Sunday, a clear suggestion that Renault will soon be challenging for podiums in F1.