Piquet says son could race next season

Kovalainen will replace world champion Fernando Alonso at the Renault team next season, partnering Italian Fisichella, who is aiming to bounce back following two disappointing seasons in Alonso's shadow.

Piquet Jr., runner-up to Lewis Hamilton in this year's GP2 championship, has joined Renault as their test driver for 2007, but his father believes he could be handed Fisichella's seat if the Italian fails to raise his game and be faster than rookie Kovalainen.

"Nelsinho will have a year of apprenticeship with Renault," Piquet was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"When he was in British F3 he did an F1 test and it was a huge leap because of the speed. Now moving from GP2 to F1 is easier. In his first test with Renault he was faster than Kovalainen.

"Now the question is how good is the Finn. If he is faster than Fisichella, then the chances of Nelsinho to be race driver at Renault will be very big. Even next year, maybe during the course of the season."

Despite Alonso's exit to McLaren, Piquet believes Renault will still be a force to be reckoned with, but only if their drivers deliver the goods.

"The team will maintain a good level. To become world champion you need a good car and a good driver. It's not enough just a good car or a good driver," he added.