Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella says Brazilian test driver Nelson Piquet junior could have a long wait if he is hoping to replace him at the Formula One champions.

"If he is waiting for me to retire then I think he will only be an F1 driver in six or seven years," the 33-year-old Italian told reporters at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Thursday.

"I love this sport and I want to race for a long time. I want to renew my deal here and I would like to work with Renault for a few more years."

Piquet, son of triple champion and namesake, told Reuters in an interview this week that he hoped to replace Fisichella at Renault after next year.

"Fisichella may retire in 2008 and if everything goes right, I should replace him," the Brazilian said. "As they (Renault) are investing in (Heikki) Kovalainen now, probably it's Fisichella who is going to stop because of age."

Renault have confirmed Fisichella, now in his second year with the team, and Finland's Kovalainen for 2007 when world champion Fernando Alonso moves to McLaren.