Formula 1 News

Renault: Romain Grosjean to replace Piquet 

The Renault F1 Team announced today that Nelsinho Piquet has been released from his obligations to the team with immediate effect. Nelson’s departure follows a mutual agreement that this course of action is in the best interests of both parties.

Frenchman Romain Grosjean has been appointed as the second driver and will race alongside Fernando Alonso at this weekend’s European Grand Prix in Valencia and for the remainder of the 2009 season.

This season Grosjean has been the team’s third driver and has attended all races, which has allowed him to gain experience and become fully integrated with the team. The 23-year-old has been supported by Renault since he was 18-years-old and became part of Renault’s Driver Development programme (RDD) in 2006 after winning the French Formula Renault title. In 2007 he was Formula 3 Euro Series champion and in 2008 he won the GP2 Asia Series. This season, Romain has been competing in the GP2 Series with Barwa Addax where he has demonstrated his talents with two victories.

“We are happy to give Romain the chance to start racing with the team,” said Renault’s Managing Director Flavio Briatore. “He is an impressive young talent and we expect him to show his skills driving alongside Fernando as we take an aggressive approach to the second half of the season. We would also like to thank Nelson for his contribution during the time he has been with us and wish him all the best for the future.”

“I am very proud that the Renault F1 Team has given me the chance to become a race driver,” said Romain Grosjean. “I’m looking forward to driving the R29 and helping the team get the best results possible. It’s also an honour to be Fernando’s teammate and to make my Formula One debut alongside a double world champion is especially motivating.”

Brazilian Lucas Di Grassi will assume third driver duties in Valencia whilst continuing with his GP2 series campaign.

source: Renault