Piquet says his son is on the verge of a seven-year contract with Williams

The team said they are to give Nelson Angelo Piquet, 17, a test next month, but deny any firm plans to sign him.

"We put drivers under contract to test them, but we would never offer them a race seat when we haven't even seen them drive," a spokesman said.

Piquet said Williams wanted to sign his son to test for two years before moving up to be a race driver in 2006.

Williams are looking for at least one driver in 2005, after learning of Juan Pablo Montoya's move to McLaren at the end of next season.

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"WilliamsF1, as a standard practice, forms a contract with drivers we wish to test," the spokesman added.

"This contract covers a wide range of obligations on both parties, such as non-disclosure of confidentialities etc.

"The contract also provides for a short period of time during which we can take up an option to retain the driver. The reason for the option is that if the driver performs strongly in the test, we protect our interests by retaining first rights.

"That policy reflects the extent of arrangements in place with the various drivers expected to be tested over the next few weeks."

Piquet Jr, usually known simply as Nelsinho, won the 2002 South American Formula Three championship and was third in this year's British F3 championship.

He is scheduled to test for Williams at Jerez in Spain on 2-4 December.

Piquet Jr would complete a unique family double if he did win a drive for Williams by becoming the first son to drive for a team that also employed his father.

Nelson Piquet won his third F1 title with Williams in 1987, in the second of his two years with the team.