<P>
"Nelsinho definitely has talent,"
the Italian is quoted as saying this week by sportnet, after yet another
disappointing race for 22-year-old Piquet at
<P>
Rumours suggest that the Brazilian, whose
despair was captured by photographers after he slid out of the prestigious
race, has been handed a three race deadline to up his game, as laid-off Super
Aguri lineup Anthony Davidson and Takuma Sato wait in the wings.
<P>
Briatore added, "He is a part of the
team and we need him. I have no doubts
about that."
<P>
Briatore's comments come after his fellow
Renault chief Pat Symonds insisted this week that Piquet, the son of his
namesake and former triple world champion, is only lacking confidence following
a disastrous opening third to his F1 career.
<P>
Engineering boss Symonds compares Piquet's
performances so far in 2008 with his predecessor Heikki Kovalainen, who managed
to turn around his fortunes at about the same time last year.
<P>
"At this time last year a lot of
people were thinking Heikki was entering his last few races," the Briton
told Renault's podcast this week.
<P>
"With a driver or a sportsman it's
about self esteem, and believing in yourself.
<P>