Zoom Di Grassi looking to learn and improve with Renault

Renault announced in December that Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet Jr would race for the team in 2008, along with Romain Grosjean supporting the duo in the role of test driver. Today at the official launch of the R28 in Paris, the team announced that Lucas di Grassi will take on the role of 'third driver' with the Anglo-French squad this year. The young Brazilian is naturally delighted with his new role.

This year you will be the ING Renault F1 Team’s third driver. How does it feel to be given this opportunity?
"It feels great. I have been with Renault since 2004 in the Renault Driver Development Programme and so I know the people I will be working with. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have the support of Renault, and I will do whatever I can to help them perform in 2008."

What will your programme be for this year?
"My programme for the coming season is to attend most of the test sessions and all the races as the reserve driver. I will observe the team and how it operates so that I constantly keep improving."

Fernando Alonso returns to the team this year. How does it feel to have the chance to work with a double world champion?
"Fernando is a very successful and talented driver. I want to learn from his experience and become a better driver so that I can help the team as much as possible when driving the car at the tests. "

How well do you two know fellow Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jr?
"We have a good relationship as we have known each other since our karting days. Then, in 2006, we raced together in GP2 – so we know each other pretty well. The first time we raced against each other was in 1998 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with Junior Go-Karts, and now ten years later, we will work together at the ING Renault F1 Team, trying to make the team win again."

You are part of Renault’s Driver Development Programme. Tell us what that involves and what their support means to you?
"I have spent four years in the Renault Driver Development Programme (RDD), as did Heikki Kovalainen. The RDD was my ‘school’, as well as my financial support in the lower racing categories. The programme’s philosophy is to develop young drivers into F1 drivers, helping them in every aspect of racing. I am very thankful to Renault for giving me this opportunity."

You enjoyed a successful GP2 campaign last year finishing as the runner-up. How does an F1 car compare to GP2 machinery?