F1: Renault confirms Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet for 2009

[Wouter Melissen]

Renault press release:

• ING Renault F1 Team is renewing the contracts of Fernando Alonso, for the 2009 and 2010
seasons, and Nelson Piquet, for 2009, under the direction of Flavio Briatore, Managing
Director of ING Renault F1 Team.
• Renault has been a major player in Formula 1 for over 30 years, claiming the
Manufacturers' and Drivers' titles in 2005 and 2006 with Fernando Alonso.

After a tough start to the season, Renault became the fourth ranked manufacturer in Formula 1 in
second-half 2008, notching up 80 points. The Team scored two wins in a row at the Singapore and
Japan Grand Prix and placed second in Brazil. Currently ranked fifth in the drivers’ championship,
Fernando Alonso wrapped up the season in style with three podium finishes in the last four races of
the year, making him the best driver over the last six Grand Prix events in 2008.

“We are pleased to continue our Formula 1 experience with Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet, two
remarkable drivers," said Bernard Rey, President of ING Renault F1 Team. “The technical team
showed all its prowess in returning to the top under the direction of Flavio Briatore. With nearly 2.5
billion TV viewers every season, Formula 1 racing brings the Renault brand strong media exposure,
especially in growth markets.”

With the growing links between Formula 1 and production vehicles, the technological advances made
in racing directly benefit mass-market models. These synergies take different forms : they are
reflected in the vehicles developed by Renault Sport Technologie, such as Mégane Renault Sport, as
well as in enhancing engine efficiency, electronics and materials.

[Ferrer]

Not really surprising.

EDIT Well the Alonso bit at least.

[Wouter Melissen]

It's brave that they continued with Piquet.

[Kitdy]

It's brave that they continued with Piquet.

You got it. I would be interested in the test comparison times between Piquet and their 3 testers/prospects.

[faksta]

Brave, yes. But I'm surprised - I thought they would sign someone else...

[fisetdavid26]

Money.

[Ferrer]

Money.

I was thinking along the same lines.

Probably some kind of sponsorship/paying seat deal.

[Kitdy]

Would there be pay drivers at a team as good as Renault with as much cash?

I think that if he is paying for the seat or it is a sponsorship deal then it is probably a bad call by Renault as they should develop a driver because who knows if Alonso will stay long term. Then again, maybe they plan on replacing Alonso with a more experienced driver.

[fisetdavid26]

I'm fairly positive Daddy has something to do.

[5150]

Resigning Alonso, was to be expected, I reckon. But resigning Piquet? Why?

[LTSmash]

You think maybe Piquet Sr. had something to do with it. Maybe his association to his father? I don't know.

[Deckard]

Then again, maybe they plan on replacing Alonso with a more experienced driver.

I may not be a fan of his but you'd be hard pressed to find a more experienced and competative driver.

[Kitdy]

I may not be a fan of his but you'd be hard pressed to find a more experienced and competative driver.

That was an error by me, I meant replacing Alonso with a more experienced driver than Piquet; ie, not a rookie, a Kubica or something like that - bot that Kubica has tons of experience.

[LeonOfTheDead]

I thought Alonso would have signed just for 2009 and not for 2010 too

[Kitdy]

I thought Alonso would have signed just for 2009 and not for 2010 too

I didn't read that - I think Renault maybe hard balled him into two years - great call by them, bad call by him.