Zonta and Piquet to Renault

UPDATE #2 This rumor is updated to 'fact' with today's announcement – See Hot News page for details.

09/01/06 AutoRacing1.com sources tell us that the deal with Piquet and Renault is done. We await the announcement.

09/01/06 Brazilian Ricardo Zonta – a former BAR and Jordan race driver – is virtually certain to move from his current role as Toyota tester to replace Heikki Kovalainen as Renault's back-up man.

And another Brazilian, Nelson Piquet Jr, 21 – who can win the GP2 series next week – will become Renault's second test driver, after shunning the chance to join Midland in a race seat.

Team sponsor Telefonica are keen to expand their brand in Brazil and have pushed for the signing of the pair. Eurosport