Nelson Piquet takes stock after his first season in F1

Nelson Piquet admits to being disappointed with his start to the Formula 1 season but thinks he can make great progress now that he has extended his contract with Renault.

The Brazilian had a difficult baptism in F1, failing to score a single point until the French Grand Prix, which took place at the end of June.

However, a resurgence in performance at the end of the season saved his year, as he managed to convince Renault to keep him for another season.

In an interview with Reuters, Piquet reviews his 2008 year, from the early races often ending in retirement to the Brazilian Grand Prix where he achieved the 12th place in the driver standings: « It wasn’t the season I dreamed of having. I had a lot of ups and downs with multiple problems, but I also learned a lot of things that allowed me to take a step forward, » he stated from New Delhi, India, where Renault was demonstrating.

« Next year, there will be big changes, but mechanically, the suspension won’t change that much. So I think we’ll continue moving in the right direction. »

Piquet hopes to finish 2009 in the top 6 in the championship, thinking that his Renault team can become a contender for podiums in all the races.

« We have to be a bit optimistic, I think we have a good chance of regularly being on the podium. This year, I wanted to be in the top 10, I finished 12th. Next year, I would like to be in the top six. »