Renault have confirmed that the current GP2 star Romain Grosjean will step in as Nelson Piquet's replacement in Valencia, after the Brazilian was ousted from the team for failing to hit a performance clause in his contract.
The team finally confirmed it had decided to part ways with Piquet, almost two weeks after the Brazilian branded the Renault team boss Flavio Briatore as his executioner.
Grosjean, who has taken two wins in GP2 this year, has been Renault’s official test and reserve driver until now and Briatore is confident in the Frenchman’s ability.
'We are happy to give Romain the chance to start racing with the team,' said 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,' he contined.
Grosjean said he was delighted at the opportunity to race in F1, and he stated that he is not concerned about racing alongside double world champion Fernando Alonso.
'I am very proud that the Renault F1 Team has given me the chance to become a race driver,' he said.
'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 team-mate and to make my Formula 1 debut alongside a double world champion is especially motivating.'
Lucas di Grassi, who currently leads the GP2 series, will now become Renault's official reserve driver.
The team finally confirmed it had decided to part ways with Piquet, almost two weeks after the Brazilian branded the Renault team boss Flavio Briatore as his executioner.
Grosjean, who has taken two wins in GP2 this year, has been Renault’s official test and reserve driver until now and Briatore is confident in the Frenchman’s ability.
'We are happy to give Romain the chance to start racing with the team,' said 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,' he contined.
Grosjean said he was delighted at the opportunity to race in F1, and he stated that he is not concerned about racing alongside double world champion Fernando Alonso.
'I am very proud that the Renault F1 Team has given me the chance to become a race driver,' he said.
'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 team-mate and to make my Formula 1 debut alongside a double world champion is especially motivating.'
Lucas di Grassi, who currently leads the GP2 series, will now become Renault's official reserve driver.
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