Jan.20 (GMM) Nelson Piquet says he is expecting to be treated equally by the Renault team in 2009, despite the fact his teammate remains the former double world champion Fernando Alonso
As a rookie in 2008, Piquet’s status alongside team number one Alonso was clear
The 23-year-old Brazilian, however, was entrusted with the track debut of the new R29 at Portimao on Monday, leading some to suggest that parity might be the order of the day for 2009
However, Spaniard Alonso confided to reporters that he is sitting out the opening days of the 2009 car’s tests because he wants to
“The team asked which days I wanted to drive and I said day three and four because normally the first two days the car has a lot of problems
“I’m happy because Wednesday should be dry,” the 27-year-old added
Piquet insists he will be treated fairly by Renault in 2009
“Last year I was learning and obviously once in a while we would give priority to Fernando because he had a better chance of winning the race or being more in front,” he admitted
“Now I think the team will have to play on both sides and try to give both cars exactly the same conditions,” said Piquet
