F1 still on Piquet’s mind at Daytona

Feb.8 (GMM) Nelson Piquet does not rule out returning to formula one at some point in the future.

The former Renault driver, ousted by Flavio Briatore last year prior to the crashgate scandal, made his debut in American stock car racing at the weekend at Daytona, as did Danica Patrick.

But the 24-year-old told Switzerland’s Motorsport Aktuell that he is not committed to the entire season in the USA, although it is a possibility.

“I have all sorts of plans, and am keeping my eyes and ears open,” he said
in an interview.

“Let’s see what I find to drive. In December in finished just behind Michael Schumacher at the kart world championships in Las Vegas.

“I am also working on a deal to go to Le Mans with a GT2 Ferrari,” said Piquet, whose next outing will be in the NASCAR Truck Series.

Asked specifically about F1, Piquet answered: “Who knows. But this year, formula one is in a bit of a muddle, with all these teams but no one knowing whether they will be there or not.

“It reminds me more of GP2,” he added.

Below is the Daytona report on the Brazilian’s website:

Nelson Piquet had a very encouraging start to his debut ARCA race last weekend at Daytona Beach in Florida, despite finishing the race classified 27th.

The 24-year-old stepped into the ARCA Racing Series stock car for the first time on Thursday and was on the pace out of the box, finishing up the session in P7, in a field of 53 cars. This weekend also marked his first competitive outing on an oval and at Daytona, and his qualifying result of P7 was therefore also a welcome result.

In Saturday’s 200-lap, 80 mile race, Nelson was one of nine rookies out of the 43-strong field. He was up to sixth after the rolling start and had gained another position to fifth by the second lap.

He raced strongly and consistently in fifth for half the race until a technical problem during a red flag period blighted his progress. Fighting back well though, he was back to 14th by lap 42. Unfortunately, in the last quarter of the race he found himself on the receiving end of some bumper-to-bumper action and was forced down the order, crossing the line in 27th.

Despite the unrealised promise of a strong result on his debut, the Daytona event has been a positive start to Nelson’s stock car career and has provided him with crucial experience and track time in the car.