Alonso: Renault need points from Piquet

Piquet has had a difficult rookie season so far, being comfortably outpaced by Alonso at most races and only finishing in the points once so far.

In Hockenheim qualifying the Brazilian only managed 17th on the grid, while Alonso took fifth.

The former champion denied that he was becoming frustrated by Piquet's poor performances, but admitted that the team needed both cars to be on the pace as soon as possible.

"It's not frustrating. At the end of the day you do your own job," Alonso told reporters at Hockenheim.

"But there is a clear target for the rest of the season: to finish fourth in the constructors' championship. So we need points from both drivers. I will do my best and Nelsinho will do his best, but today it will be difficult for him to score any points."

However, Alonso added that it was also down to the team to improve the car so that Piquet had enough confidence in his machinery to qualify better.

"Hopefully we can both be in Q3 in the future and that will mean that the car is progressing well and we can do this goal," said Alonso.