Piquet out to do best possible job

Piquet, son of three-time champion Nelson, was Renault's test driver last year and will race alongside Fernando Alonso in 2008.

"I had a great role with the team last year, got to know everybody in the factory, race and test team," said Piquet during the launch of the R28 in Paris on Thursday.

"It was a great year. Everything worked well, got the race drive.

"As a team, having Fernando alongside me now, he has a lot of experience, we have great experience together. The team won two championships and if they did it once they can do it again."

When asked about his goals for 2008, he said: "To do my best, it depends how good we can progress with the car. If car is able to do podiums I try to do podiums, if it can win then we try to win. I try to do my best and have a good year."

Piquet, runner-up to Lewis Hamilton in the GP2 championship in 2006, says he still has a lot of work ahead of him before his Grand Prix debut in March.

"Melbourne still seems a long way off to me. We have a lot of work to do beforehand, and I am focused on the next test sessions and our development programme.

"That will help me improve my physical condition too, because driving is always the best preparation; and I can continue learning to make sure I am ready for my first Grand Prix.

"My aim this year is to get the maximum out of the package, and to do a good job for the team. There will be a lot to learn and I not underestimating the challenge of Formula One."