Amid speculation about Nelson Piquet's future at Renault, the team's Pat Symonds says test driver Lucas di Grassi "deserves to be in F1".

Renault boss Flavio Briatore this week answered "we will see" when asked if 23-year-old rookie Piquet has done enough to keep his Seat in 2009.

At the same time, engineering chief Symonds told Britain's Autosport magazine that Piquet's Brazilian compatriot di Grassi, a standout performer in GP2 this year, has impressed him.

"He's really good," the Briton continued, following di Grassi's recent three day test at Jerez.

Symonds said of di Grassi's late start in the F1 feeder series in 2008: "If the championship had started when he came back, he would have walked it."

Speculation is rife that di Grassi is the most serious contender to debut for Renault next year, particularly if the experienced Fernando Alonso stays put.

The 24-year-old insists a decision has not been made.

"I don't know where all the rumours come from but I can guarantee you that nothing has been said to me," di Grassi said.

Source: GMM