F1’s Piquet says he’s been fired from Renault

Published 6:30 pm Monday, August 3, 2009

SAO PAULO — Nelson Piquet Jr. says he has been fired from Renault and blamed team principal Flavio Briatore for his failure to achieve significant results in Formula 1.

Piquet says he’s disappointed with Renault’s decision, but at the same time was relieved to put an end to “the worst period of my career.”

Piquet said in a statement Monday that the “black period” of his career began when he signed a management contract with Briatore, who “threatened” him instead of supporting him. He called Briatore his “executioner.”

The Brazilian driver’s best finish in 28 races was second at the German Grand Prix in 2008.

He said he is already considering his options to remain in F1 with another team.