Renault confirm Grosjean

[Dare]

Renault confirm Grosjean
Tuesday 18th August 2009

French driver Romain Grosjean will replace Nelson Piquet Jr. behind the wheel of Renault's second car at Sunday's European Grand Prix.

The Formula One team said in a statement that Piquet's departure follows a "mutual agreement that this course of action is in the best interests of both parties."

"We are happy to give Romain the chance to start racing with the team," said Renault 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."

Grosjean will race alongside Fernando Alonso at the European GP in Valencia, Spain, and for the remainder of the 2009 season.

"I am very proud that the Renault F1 Team has given me the chance to become a race driver," said Grosjean. "I'm looking forward to driving the R29 and helping the team get the best results possible.

"It's also an honor to be Fernando's teammate and to make my Formula One debut alongside a double world champion is especially motivating."

The 23-year-old Grosjean became part of Renault's Driver Development program 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 he has been competing in the GP2 Series with Barwa Addax.

Lucas Di Grassi of Brazil will be Renault's third driver in Valencia, while continuing his GP2 series campaign.

[Scott]

Now if Renault can figure out a way to quickly organize a demo day to give him some laps a la Ferrari.