http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/03082009/58/renault-sack-angry-piquet.html Remember when they used to do driver changes in the off-season........ Now, its not really the case for Piquet, but in this "gotta have it now" mentality and time, they expect immediate results. If that were the case years ago, Cheever, Alonso, Gilles Villeneuve, Berger and a whole lot of others would have never seen the glory or extended F1 careers that they had.
Piquet should have been axed at the end of last season IMO. He's had nothing but bad luck and bad results.
The French media (obviously well-connected with Renault) have been talking about this all season. I think the only reason he was still there was that Grosjean has not yet entirely lived up to expectations in GP2. He still makes lots of mistakes.
I know its no surprise, but I guess if you are a newer racer, dont get too many cards printed up with your team name and "driver" on it unless you get to the podium or score points with regularity relatively quick in your first year. Edit- I know this is not Piquet's first year also......
I think the "extended silly season" stuff gets pushed forward when something major happens like BMW pulling out. It causes a chain reaction where other teams want to make their intentions known ASAP so newly released drivers know that a seat is available.
^ his team mate is a bit of a factor in that though. If it weren't for his dad, I don't think Jr would have lasted more then one season.
