Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: He was signed as test driver for Renault Formula One team for the 2007 season , and was promoted to the race team for 2008 , before being dropped midway through the 2009 season .
Simplified: During the 2007 season he was the official test and reserve driver for the Renault Formula One team . For 2008 season Piquet was promoted to the Renault race team .