Renault's
Nelson Piquet Jr has said that he is 'confident' he will be able to reward the faith the Regie has shown in him during 2008, when he will make his debut in the
FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
Renault confirmed that Piquet Jr would be promoted to a race seat last week, when it was also revealed that
Fernando Alonso will return to the squad and drive the other R27.
Speaking after he and Renault president and CEO Carlos Ghosn met Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the president of Brazil, in the country's capital Brasilia, Nelson added though that while he wants to do his best, he will be keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
"Throughout my career, I have been very focused on achieving the best possible results – and that's how I intend to approach Formula 1 as well," he stated. "I am confident that I can reward the faith Renault has placed in me by being clear-headed about the car's potential at each race, and working hard.
"I go to every race aiming for the best possible result, but with my feet firmly on the ground. The ING Renault
F1 Team is a top team - they won two world championships and are determined to get back on top.
"After one year with the team as a third driver, I know everybody and feel very comfortable in the team, I know the way they work and it's probably the best way for me to start racing in
Formula 1. I have dreamed of competing in Formula 1 since I was small, and I have finally made it. It is the start of a new phase, and I can't wait for the season to begin."
Asked about how he will cope with the inevitable comparisons to his father, who won the Formula 1 drivers' title three-times, Nelson Jr added while what his dad did was great, he wants to make a name for himself.
"Ever since I started racing, I have felt the pressure of being Nelson Piquet's son. My father is a legend in the sport, and that makes me very proud, just like it does for his many fans around the world," he continued.
"My father has been, and will be, a great reference point for me and his support was crucial to the early stages of my career, all the way to GP2 Series.
