Nelson Piquet Jr. is to turn his attentions towards the United States and NASCAR after failing to secure a return to Formula One.
Brazilian who blew the lid on Renault scandal heading Stateside
Nelson Piquet Jr. is to turn his attentions towards the United States and NASCAR after failing to secure a return to Formula One.
The 24-year-old Brazilian, who was released from Renault mid-way through last season and who subsequently revealed he was asked by the team to deliberately crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, has been unable to secure one of the handful of seats still available for the coming F1 season.
As such, Piquet is try and pick up the threads of his career in stock car racing, although he did not say whether he would contest the Sprint Cup, Nationwide or truck series.
Late last year Piquet tested a NASCAR truck, and although he has not specifically stated in which series he will compete, that is the likely favourite ahead.
Speaking on his personal website, Piquet said: "I have spent the last few months carefully evaluating my options for this year.
"I had to choose a path and it was a difficult decision to make.
"Being successful in Formula One was always my goal but I have learnt that happiness is just as important as ambition.
"After my first 18 months in F1 did not go as planned, I have decided to focus on something different and have chosen to take a route in America.
"NASCAR is hugely challenging, and nobody has ever come in as an outsider before and gone on to win it.
"It will be the ultimate challenge. I have always been open to new challenges, and I will be putting everything I have into this."
He added: "I have found a good group of people that are really willing to help me in my career and I am grateful they are there for me.
"I think it will be a positive environment and a good life experience.
"I am sure this year is going to be fantastic, and I am very excited at the prospect of my future."
