I have a lot to learn from Fernando, he is the perfect benchmark - Nelsinho
As the R28 was unveiled today, so was the 2008 driver line-up of the ING Renault F1 Team. Nelson Piquet Jr. will make his F1 debut alongside double World Champion Fernando Alonso. The rookie driver is ready to bring Renault back to the front of the pack.
"That’s true – and maybe it won’t be the last! I am very proud of my father’s achievements, and pleased with what I have done so far too. I have always wanted to race: there is just something inside me that loves driving, and it doesn’t matter if I am in a go-kart, a racing car or even a road car. I have earned my place in F1 on my own merits, and worked very hard to get here. After working for a year with the team as test driver, it was good to see that effort rewarded with a race drive. It is important that Renault and Flavio have chosen to put their faith in me this year."
You have been working with the team for over a year. Do you feel ready for your F1 debut?"If I had been given the opportunity to race last season, I would have taken it without a second thought. I am a racing driver, so what I want more than anything else is to race. But I also believe I have learned a lot as a test driver. I am going into my first season with a team I know well, and that can only be a good thing. To make my debut with Renault was the ideal option for me, and I am pleased that it turned out this way."
Fernando Alonso is returning to a team where he won two world titles. How do you expect your relationship to be?"I have never had a proper team-mate in my career; nobody I could compare myself to in order to improve. I know that I have a lot to learn from Fernando because he has a lot of F1 experience, he knows the circuits, and he has won two titles; he is the perfect benchmark. I can’t wait to start working with him because I hope he will help me to improve, and I think that together, we can do a good job for the team."
What is your target for 2008?"I want to get the maximum out of the package, and do a good job for the team. Of course, I am a competitive person and I would love to fight for wins, so I will do everything to make that possible. There is a lot to learn this year, but I will take every chance that comes my way!"
Do you think that the absence of driver aids could help a rookie to shine?"The driver’s role will be even greater in 2008, and it might be easier for a young driver to do well because we are used to driving without electronic aids. Having said that, all the F1 drivers have enough experience to adapt very quickly. From my point of view, I must say that I prefer driving without the aids, because that is what I was always used to in Formula 3 and GP2."
The F1 circus will arrive in Melbourne in just a few weeks’ time. Have you thought about it already?"Not really to be honest, because it is still a long way off – and there is lot of work to do beforehand. I am focused on the next test sessions and our development programme. That will help me to improve my physical condition, because driving is always the best preparation; and I can continue learning, to make sure I am ready for my first Grand Prix."
Do you think the ING Renault F1 Team can get back to the front of the field this year?"It is always hard to say at this time of year. What I know for sure is that nobody at Renault wants another season like 2007, and everybody has given their maximum to produce a competitive car for 2008. Our rivals like McLaren, Ferrari and BMW haven’t been standing still either during the winter, and we will need to fight hard. But I know that we will do our best."
