Nelson Piquet Jr. makes a comeback in Nascar

Nelson Piquet Junior has ultimately given up on Formula 1 to drive in Nascar this 2010 season. The Brazilian had nevertheless tried to return with one of the four new teams on the grid.

Nelson Piquet was a driver for Renault in 2008 alongside Fernando Alonso. The Brazilian was retained for 2009 as well but contingent on results and was ultimately dismissed by the team mid-season to be replaced by Romain Grosjean. It was during this time that the ‘Crashgate’ scandal of the 2008 Singapore GP came to light, where the Brazilian intentionally crashed into the wall to help his teammate win under the orders of his superiors.

After attempting to negotiate with the four new teams present in the championship this season, Nelson Piquet ultimately chose to move towards Nascar in the United States. The young 24-year-old driver already drove last October with the Red Horse Racing team. He will test with the same team again in a few weeks, but no information has been provided about the division of the championship in which Piquet will participate.

« I have spent most of my time in recent months evaluating my opportunities for the 2010 season and I had to select only one. The choice was difficult. » explains the Brazilian on his website.

« Being a Formula 1 champion was my goal from the beginning, but I learned the hard way that business was often more important than ambitions, » he continues, alluding to the Crashgate scandal. « However, my first 18 months in F1 did not go as planned, so I decided to change direction. I chose America. It’s a real challenge for me to come to Nascar. No one has ever won a championship in their first season, that will be my sole objective! »

Several Formula 1 drivers have transitioned to racing in the USA, including Juan-Pablo Montoya, who has been victorious multiple times in Nascar’s top tier. Piquet did not provide further information on the matter but concluded by mentioning a possible future participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

« Europe and my friends will miss me, but I am only 24 years old and still have the ambition to ensure that I will come back to race in Europe. Moreover, my next goal will be to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a legendary race. »