Williams Comment on Piquet Jr.

The Williams team confirmed today they have an interest in Nelson Piquet Jr. but said the driver is only one of several currently reviewed by the team and would not necessarily be picked by the team as their racing driver.

Former World Champion Nelson Piquet said this morning on Brazilian Globo television that Williams have offered his 17-year-old son a 7-year contract, which includes two years as a test driver and five years as a racing driver.

However, a Williams spokesman told Atlas F1 this is standard practice when testing new talents, and the contract only extends as far as an option for the team, should they be interested in hiring the driver.

"WilliamsF1, as a standard practice, forms a contract with drivers we wish to test," communications director Liam Clogger said. "This contract covers a wide range of obligations on both parties, such as non-disclosure of confidentialities etc.

"The contract also provides for a short period of time during which we can take up an option to retain the driver. The reason for the option is that if the driver performs strongly in the test, we protect our interests by retaining first rights."

Clogger however said the team would not comment on any negotiations with Piquet himself, stating that "It is not appropriate to discuss the details of standing contracts. The policy outlined however, reflects the extent of arrangements in place with the various drivers expected to be tested over the next few weeks."

Piquet is scheduled to test for Williams next week in Jerez.