Renault retain Alonso and Pique - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Renault retain Alonso and Pique

Renault have confirmed an unchanged driver line-up for the 2009 Formula One season, with Fernando Alonso agreeing a two-year contract extension.

Nelson Piquet has currently only signed for one further season.

Former world champion Alonso, who won in Singapore and Japan this year, said: "After a difficult start to the season we have overcome our difficulties and constantly improved our performances. My back-to-back wins in Singapore and Japan, and my recent second-place finish in Brazil, have proved how competitive we can be."

He added: "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."

Alonso had been linked with Ferrari and BMW, and heavily courted by Honda, before agreeing his extended deal with the marque with whom he won the world title in 2005 and 2006.

"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," Alonso said on www.autosport.com.

"It's a very close-knit team with a competitive and winning mentality, and also a relaxed and warm attitude, which suits me perfectly."

Piquet's future at Renault had been in doubt after he struggled for much of his rookie season, particularly in qualifying, but his form improved towards the end of the year, highlighted by a strong drive from 11th on the grid to fourth in Japan.

"Obviously I am delighted to have the opportunity to race for Renault for a second year," he said.

"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."

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Gala night for the Queen of arts - stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute

Happy & glorious

Stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute to Queen
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Thais go Gaga: singer’s ‘fake rolex’ tweet sparks new tour row... but fans still mob her at airport

Thais go Gaga

Singer mobbed at airport
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon
Chelsea Champions League celebrations - in pictures

Victory parade

Chelsea Champions League celebrations
High-flying heroes

High flying heroes

David Oyelowo reveals all about new film Red Tails
The Twitter Diaries: Think Bridget Jones tries social networking

The Twitter Diaries

Think Bridget Jones tries social networking