F1 : The ING Renault F1 Team confirms its 2009 driver line-up

ING-Renault Formula 1 Team

• ING Renault F1 Team is renewing the contracts of Fernando Alonso, for the 2009 and 2010 seasons, and Nelson Piquet, for 2009, under the direction of Flavio Briatore, Managing Director of ING Renault F1 Team.
  
• Renault has been a major player in Formula 1 for over 30 years, claiming the Manufacturers' and Drivers' titles in 2005 and 2006 with Fernando Alonso.

Boulogne Billancourt Cedex : November 5, 2008 - After a tough start to the season, Renault became the fourth ranked manufacturer in Formula 1 in second-half 2008, notching up 80 points. The Team scored two wins in a row at the Singapore and Japan Grand Prix and placed second in Brazil. Currently ranked fifth in the drivers’ championship, Fernando Alonso wrapped up the season in style with three podium finishes in the last four races of the year, making him the best driver over the last six Grand Prix events in 2008.


The ING Renault F1 Team is pleased to announce that it will field an unchanged line-up next season with Fernando Alonso signing a two year extension for 2009 and 2010, and Nelson Piquet confirmed

We are happy to confirm both Fernando and Nelson for next season, commented Managing Director, Flavio Briatore. This gives the ING Renault F1 Team one of the most exciting driver pairings with the perfect blend of youth and experience. Fernandos commitment for the next two seasons confirms the faith he has in the team and we are delighted to continue working with him. He has been a big asset throughout this difficult season and his leadership and talent, matched with the teams hard work and determination, have paid off with our recent performances, which have placed the ING Renault F1 Team back among the top competitors of Formula 1.

Fernando Alonso commented: I have decided to stay with the ING Renault F1 team because, as I have often repeated this season, they have always been my first choice and I feel very happy and comfortable with them. Its a very close-knit team with a competitive and winning mentality, and also a relaxed and warm attitude, which suits me perfectly. After a difficult start to the season, we have overcome our difficulties and constantly improved our performances, continued Fernando. My back-to-back wins in Singapore and Japan, and my recent second place podium finish in Brazil, have proved how competitive we can be. In the past we have won championships together, as well as going through tough moments, but we are now determined to show that we can repeat that success together in the coming seasons.

Nelson Piquet added: Obviously I am delighted to have the opportunity to race for the ING Renault F1 Team for a second year. Although I have had a tough year, I have learned a lot from my rookie season and I will aim to put that experience to good use next season. I want to thank the team for their support this year and for the trust they have shown in me for the future. Im already excited about 2009 and looking forward to working with the team over the winter so that we can start next season strongly.

[Source : ING-Renault F-1 Team]