Piquet: « Renault can fight among the best teams »

Nelsinho Piquet revealed that the Renault team is capable of competing with the best teams this season and being consistent to secure future Grand Prix victories.

Following several technical problems combined with poor weather conditions, the Brazilian conducted this year’s tests with a sense of frustration.

Piquet was the slowest test driver at Jerez this week, with a best time of 1:22.011 on Sunday and 1:33.476 on Monday in the rain.

After two days troubled by bad weather, the French team also experienced tire problems as well as battery issues with its KERS.

« I think we are now in a transition between working on the setup and working on the results of the car. Gradually we are getting there. The car is already different compared to the last time I drove it here, » explained Nelson Piquet to Autosport.

Looking ahead to the Australian Grand Prix and the start of his second season in F1, Fernando Alonso’s teammate is optimistic that Renault can compete at the front of the grid: « You know McLaren and Ferrari will be fast because they are the two teams with the biggest budgets and many people working on the car. If we fight, I think we won’t be too far from them. »