Piquet stays calm despite pressure

The Brazilian has yet to score any points for Renault and, following a crash at the Monaco Grand Prix just a week after the team called on him to improve, is well aware he needs to up his game if he is head off speculation about his future.

And although he has never raced on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve before, Piquet insists he is not unduly concerned about his situation.

"I have tried to approach this race calmly and remain focussed, as I have done for each race," said Piquet. "My goal will be to learn the track quickly and to get comfortable with the car.

"Then I must make the most of each session to optimise the set-up of the car and to be in good shape for a strong qualifying session."

Piquet was distraught after his Monaco GP crash but says that he is not totally disheartened by how his weekend in Monte Carlo went.

"Monaco is without doubt the most difficult track of the year. We had some problems in qualifying, but the start of the race went well and so I take some positives from that," he said. "Montreal will be an easier circuit and I am feeling confident, so I hope that I can go there and deliver a solid race."

Renault's director of engineering Pat Symonds has reiterated his belief that Piquet will enjoy a step forward in performance once he has regained his self-belief.

"His confidence is suffering a little bit, but we hope to see him bounce back soon - he's definitely got the ability and we've already seen he's got the speed," explained Symonds. "He just needs to restore his self-confidence and that is something we will help him do."