R29 needs to improve, says Piquet

Piquet, who ended last weekend's Australian Grand Prix in the gravel after an unexplained braking problem while battling with Williams's Nico Rosberg, says that his car was difficult to drive in Melbourne.

"It was really loose," Piquet told AUTOSPORT. "Compared to the other cars, I think it looked quite bad. The car was everywhere, difficult to hold. There is a lot to be improved.

"I'm sure all of the other teams are doing the same, so it's not going to be an easy task to jump over the others. The teams is working as hard as it can, 24 hours a day, in the factory.

"But we have a limited budget and the team's not as big as some. We need to spend the money in the right areas."

Despite his disappointing start to the season, Piquet is hopeful that the Malaysian Grand Prix will offer a clearer indication of his and Renault's form.

"Let's see what happens here because it's a good track to judge," he said. "Australia is not my favourite track and I always struggle there. Malaysia should be better. There are less bumps and it is a slower track. That suits the car better.

"I want to qualify well to get up with Fernando or even ahead of him. It will be a good test for me."

Piquet is also hopeful that Renault being one of only four teams running with KERS could give them an edge when battling with other cars during the race.

"Overtaking here is going to be a little bit easier than Melbourne so we can get a bit more of an advantage," he said.