After Monday’s revelation that team boss Flavio Briatore expects to have two new drivers at Renault next season, the Italian has heaped praise on test driver Nelson Piquet Jr.
The Brazilian now seems set to move up to a full race drive and could find himself alongside former World Champion Fernando Alonso, should the Spaniard return to the French outfit as expected. Niamh O’Mahony, Setanta Sports
Renault would seem to be Alonso’s best and only chance to return with a competitive squad in Formula One. Ferrari and BMW-Sauber have both their drivers under contract for next season while Toyota, the only other team with sufficient funds who could satisfy Alonso, have confirmed Timo Glock for 2008 alongside Jarno Trulli.
As well, Briatore says Renault will have “different drivers” next season, furthering speculation that Heikki Kovalainen will likely move to McLaren to replace Alonso. Test driver Nelson Piquet Jr. is expected to make the move up to full time status. TSN.ca
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