Piquet says tests will help him raise game

The Brazilian is under pressure to lift his performances - with Renault director of engineering Pat Symonds claiming that Piquet was in much need of a confidence boost.

Speaking to autosport.com at the Canadian Grand Prix, Piquet said that the lack of testing so far this season had been a big hindrance in not allowing him to make progress.

But with tests at Barcelona and Silverstone coming up this month, Piquet is optimistic that he can finally work on his weaknesses to overcome his struggles.

"Once the season starts it is a bit difficult for you," he said. "It is only race weekends and there is not much testing.

"If you have a bad race, it's not like you can go to a test and can spend a few days testing and improving what you didn't do well. It is just race after race. So for sure any test is important now.

"The Barcelona test, the Silverstone test, everything for me is helpful. For sure, (after that) it is going to be much easier, not having to take risks you don't need to take."

Reacting to Symonds' comments, Piquet admitted that he needed to somehow build his confidence up.

"I think it is a bit of everything," he explained. "Obviously I don't question myself, and I am sure there is something hidden inside me. I need to build up the confidence and the experience together.

"The team are helping me as much as I need so there is nothing bad. Give it a bit of time and things should work out."