Feb.7 (GMM) Five weeks before his debut grand prix in Australia, Brazilian rookie Nelson Piquet Jr has taken delivery of a private jet.

The 22-year-old, who is the son of triple world champion and namesake Nelson Piquet, received the keys to the plane on Wednesday from Rui Thomaz de Aquino, the president of the Brazilian airline TAM, according to the German news agency DPA.

Piquet's new Citation Mustang is valued at $2.6 million.

"I am going to be able to devote more time to training, reduce distances and gain precious hours," the new Renault racer said.

Piquet explained that, unlike his father who used to fly his own plane to grands prix, he will need to hire a professional pilot.