Di Grassi in the starting blocks at Renault

Lucas di Grassi appears to be the leading candidate to replace Nelson Piquet at Renault next year if the French car manufacturer decides to part ways with the Brazilian recruit.

Even though Piquet achieved a podium with a second place at the German Grand Prix, he was unable to find a race pace alongside his teammate Fernando Alonso.

His crash last Sunday during the Singapore Grand Prix didn’t help matters, even though his mistake paradoxically played a crucial role in Alonso’s triumph.

Sources close to the team claim that Piquet has not been performant enough to justify a second season with Renault. The situation doesn’t even work in his favor as di Grassi impressed during the recent tests in Jerez.

He not only had speed during these three days of testing but also a positive attitude towards the team.

Renault boss Flavio Briatore is considering his 2009 driver lineup, even though any decision depends on Fernando Alonso’s choice to stay with the French team or not.

Some rumors suggest Piquet could be with Toro Rosso next year, but the small team doesn’t seem interested unless the financial offer is appealing.

If Toro Rosso does not respond positively, Piquet could be relegated to the rank of a mere test driver.