Piquet says he was 'green' on F1 debut

Nelson Piquet has confessed that he was a bit 'green' at the start of his rookie season in Formula One, but thinks he can make big progress now that he has had his contract extended by Renault.

The Brazilian had a tough baptism in F1, failing to score a point until the French Grand Prix near the halfway point of the season.

However, a stronger run of form in the closing stages of the campaign helped save his season and convince Renault to keep him on board for another year.

In an interview with Reuters, Piquet admitted he was not up to speed when he first arrived in F1 - but thinks he made big steps forward.

"It wasn't the season I dreamed of," he said during a demonstration event for Renault in New Delhi, India. "I had a lot of ups and downs and problems but learnt a lot.

"I was very green in the beginning of the championship. I was really happy when we reached the agreement. The car changed a lot from 2007. That is why in the beginning it was a big shift and we were still developing a lot.

"Next year, there is going to be another big shift but mechanically, suspension, (it) is not going to change that much. So I think we are going to continue in a good phase."

Piquet has set his sights on finishing in the top six of the drivers' championship next year, thinking that his Renault team can become regular challengers for podium finishes.

"We have to be a bit optimistic, I think we've a good chance of being regularly on the podium," he said. "This year I wanted to be in the top 10, I finished 12th. (Next year) I'd like to be top six in the championship."

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