The Renault F1 team have confirmed their 2008 line-up, with the return of double world champion Fernando Alonso and promotion of test driver Nelson Piquet Jr.

Speaking about the announcement Flavio Briatore said: “Fernando and Nelsinho will form one of the most exciting driver line up of 2008. We are delighted to be welcoming Fernando back home to the team where he enjoyed his greatest success. His abilities as a driver and a team leader are well known, and we look forward to forging another strong partnership. What’s more, he knows the team well and how we operate; he will feel comfortable straight away in this environment.

Nelsinho is one of the most promising young talents in motorsport. After his success in GP2, he has spent a year learning the ropes as our test driver and getting to know the team; he is now ready to step up to the next level.”

2007 drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen have not been retained: Kovalainen is rumoured to be in line for a McLaren drive while Fisichella has been testing for Force India.

The FIA has attacked Martin Brundle following this weekend’s column in the Sunday Times.

“It is regrettable that instead of applauding the achievements of motor sport’s international champions, who were recognised this weekend in a Gala prize giving ceremony in Monaco, Martin Brundle chose to continue his campaign against motor sport’s governing body,” (a spokesman) said.

“Instead of celebrating the results of the closest F1, WRC and WTCC championships for years, Martin has again sought to call into question the integrity of the FIA World Council.

…

He will now be given the opportunity to try to substantiate his claims in front of the courts.”

How very generous…

Michael Ammermüller will continue as A1GP Team Germany’s driver despite his controversial début in Sepang last month, where he was penalised in both races.

‘I’ve whet my appetite,” said Ammermüller. “The championship is excellent, I’m enjoying racing and enjoy working with this team.

“In Zhuhai I aim to score similar results to those which we’d hoped for after qualifying on the second row and those which we were robbed of long after the race had finished.”

The team started the season with Christian Vietoris but, given his faltering performance at Zandvoort and Brno, GP2 veteran and former F1 test driver Ammermüller may well complete the season.