BIO:Made car racing debut in Italian and European Formula Renault in 2001, and took 4 wins on his way to finishing as runner-up in the Italian FRenault series in 2002.

Moved up to the F3 Euroseries in 2003, winning on his debut at the Norisring, beating Timo Glock into second – but slumped to 12th in the points at season’s end. He continued in the series in 2004 but failed to take a win.

A move to World Series Renault in 2005 yielded the championship at his first attempt, and propelled him into an F1 drive with BMW Sauber in 2006, being disqualified on his debut after originally finishing in the points. Finished on the podium in his third start at Monza after leading. His 2007 season is best remembered for his massive crash at Montreal, but he won his first Grand Prix at the same circuit 12 months later, on the way to fourth overall in the championship. In 2008 establishes himself as a title contender, taking his (and BMW Sauber's) maiden win plus a further six podiums. A drop in the team's form late in the season sees him finish fourth overall with 75 points.

In 2009 struggles with an uncompetitive BMW Sauber F1.09. Despite a second-place in Brazil boosts his points, he starts looking for new ride for 2010 after BMW announce plans for F1 withdrawal. Signs with Renault for 2010 in October.