Piquet: Renault lacks speed

Nelsinho Piquet does not expect to see his Renault team winning races under normal circumstances at the beginning of the 2008 season.

The French team, after a disappointing 2007 season marked by only one podium in 17 races, was far behind the pace set by Ferrari and McLaren during winter testing.

Despite noted progress compared to the end of last year, Piquet believes his team is not yet ready to compete alongside the two best teams.

« We are not grappling with McLaren. We are trying to beat BMW, Red Bull, and Williams. We do not expect to win races, » said Piquet to reporters after his week in Barcelona, Spain, for the final pre-season tests.

« Last year, we finished second, so on a podium after a crazy race. Anything can happen. But in a normal situation, I don’t think we can win a race. We might be able to do it in some time, but for now, we don’t have enough speed. »

Piquet also said that it was difficult to predict where Renault would be in the hierarchy when the season starts.

Australia will be a good indicator. Obviously, we won’t be first or second, but we will fight to be the third, fourth, or fifth team, he added.

« It’s a big battle between us, Williams, and BMW. None of these teams expect to win the championship. »

The 22-year-old Brazilian, who will participate in his first Grand Prix this year, admits that he wants to take his time behind the wheel of the Renault…

« Every time I drive the car I feel more and more comfortable. Obviously, day by day, it will get even better. But I must use all the time available to me. »

« Every new time I’m in the car, I feel more confident. If we had more time, we would be even more ready. But we are not exactly ready to win races. Time is what we will always lack! » Concluded Piquet.