Chinese GP review

This afternoon at the Chinese Grand Prix, the Renault F1 Team won the FIA Formula One World Constructors' Championship. A dominant team performance saw Fernando Alonso take his seventh win of the season, while Giancarlo Fisichella finished fourth, only missing a podium finish through a penalty from the FIA late in the race.

But the day was dominated by joy: the constructors' championship comes alongside Fernando Alonso's drivers' championship to leave Renault as double world champions, an historic first for the French company.
Fernando Alonso "This is a fantastic feeling. I didn't think anything could equal winning the drivers' championship, but seeing our people celebrating, it's just as good! I am really so happy today, and there is only one word to say to them: thank you. The race was actually very easy. We only used full power on the engine in the first part, and we saw we were quicker than everybody so we turned things down and went conservative for the second part. Honestly, it was like the opening races when we had an advantage and could manage our pace. But today is about the team, they deserve to win, and now we are team and drivers champions. We showed that when we want to push, and take the risks, we can win races."

Giancarlo Fisichella "I am so happy for the whole team, because we are now champions of the world. That was our target today, and we did the best possible. I enjoyed the race, because the car balance was fantastic and I could keep the McLarens behind easily in the first stint. I was just managing my pace at the start, driving within the limits to let Fernando build a good lead, and I was still in a strong position when the FIA penalised me. I don't know why, because Raikkonen did the same in Belgium and nothing happened to him, and it was a shame not to be able to celebrate on the podium with Fernando and Flavio. Overall, this has been a fantastic year for me, my best in F1. I have won a race, scored podiums and helped the team to be world champions. I bounced back strongly after the criticism last weekend, and this is the best fourth place of my life."

Flavio Briatore, Managing Director "A great victory for Renault and the whole team. We managed the drivers' chase well this season, and after that people built up the constructors' championship as if it was the most important title in this sport. So to come here this weekend and dominate the race shows we have done the job right this year, both with Fernando and as a team. We have shown speed, reliability, and the whole team at Enstone, Viry and in Renault has worked flat out to make this happen. I also want to thank our sponsors, who allow us to go racing, and the Renault group for their fantastic support at every level. All those people are the reasons why we are world champions today. The last word goes to our drivers: Fisico drove brilliantly this afternoon, and after he was criticised in Japan, he put in a splendid performance; Fernando was, as always, superb. I think this a Renault team is a dream team."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering "The constructors' championship means so much to the team, not just here at the circuit but back at Enstone and Viry where people have worked with such dedication throughout the season. This is the recognition of all the work they have done, and we send our congratulations to them. The race itself did not unfold as expected, and in all honesty I wish the safety car periods had not happened, because that would have allowed us to show the true performance we have gained in the past few weeks. To win the championship with a dominant race win is the perfect way to round off an amazing season.
I would also like to thank Michelin for their efforts this year, and congratulate them on their fabulous success. It is a fitting tribute to the vision of Pierre Dupasquier as he retires after this race. There has not been a race this year where the conditions have not suited their tyres, and today was no exception. They have dominated from start to finish."

Patrick Faure, President "This was a perfect weekend for the team. The race was full of emotion, and we twice had a big advantage wiped out – but even in the third part of the race, we pulled away. Nobody could stay with the Renaults today, and nothing could stop us from winning. This has been a perfect season, and I would like to congratulate the whole team, thank Flavio for his excellent management, and also pay tribute to our partners, who have enabled us to win. This victory is a welcome reward for all their work, and a great moment in Renault's history."

McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen finished second in the last race of the 2005 Formula One season in Shanghai. Team mate Juan Pablo Montoya was forced to retire on lap 24 with an engine failure. The Colombian hit a loose manhole cover at Turn 10 on lap 18. He came in to replace a punctured front right tyre on the same lap and then pitted again one lap later to refuel.
Consequently Team McLaren Mercedes finish second in the 2005 Constructors' World Championship with 182 points. Raikkonen ends the season second in the Drivers' standings with 112 points and Montoya is fourth with 60 points.
Kimi Raikkonen "Today was not our day and finishing second was the best we could do but obviously it was not enough to take the title. The car was not quick enough at the start of the race and when it really came on towards the end it was too late. I don't know why this was the case as we have been quick throughout the weekend. The Safety Car was deployed due to the loose manhole cover. The lap before Juan Pablo hit the cover I saw it was at a strange angle and just managed to avoid it the following lap. The whole incident brought out the Safety Car which meant that we were not really able to use our strategic advantage. We did what we could this year but it was not enough so congratulations to Renault but next year we try again and I can't wait."

Juan Pablo Montoya "A strange race to end the season. The car was working well, but then I came into the corner, went on the kerb and hit the loose manhole cover which brought out the Safety Car. However the damage had been done, and eventually I was forced to crawl back into the pits with an engine failure. Not the way I would have liked to end the season but things happen. I'm sure that we will come back stronger next year. Thanks to the team on and off track who have made me feel right at home. Coming so close to the titles this year has only made us more determined so bring on 2006."

Ron Dennis "Not the result we would have preferred, but that is motor racing. I think everything seemed to work against us today, and the Safety Car period meant that we were unable to take full advantage of our strategy. It's frustrating not to achieve the result we want at the end of a season where we have finished on the podium 18 times and claimed 10 victories. Both drivers have done a good job this season as has the team and we will work hard to ensure that the momentum continues next season."

Norbert Haug "We can look back on a good season, and I want to thank everybody in the team for all their efforts. Today we were unable to see how our strategy would have unfolded in comparison to the opposition because the Safety Car was deployed before the first round of pit stops. Kimi made the best out of the situation with his second place. Unfortunately Juan Pablo hit a loose drain cover and immediately after that he suffered an engine failure – the cause of which is still being investigated. Congratulations to Renault for winning the Constructors' title at the end of a great and closely fought season – we are looking forward to 2006."

Panasonic Toyota Racing has finished off the season in style with a podium finish at today's Chinese Grand Prix. Ralf Schumacher took third place after a well-timed pit stop that coincided with the first safety car period. He ran as high as second for long periods and battled hard to his second podium of 2005. Jarno Trulli was less fortunate with the timing of the safety cars and dropped down the field, but he still pushed hard on his way to 15th place. The six points mean that Toyota ends its best ever season by consolidating its 4th place in the constructors' championship with 88 points.
Ralf Schumacher "That was a great way to cap off an excellent first season with Toyota, especially coming after a pretty hard weekend. The car was really difficult to handle in qualifying and at the beginning of the race but the first safety car came out at just the right time for me. I think I was due a bit of luck after what happened at last week's Japanese Grand Prix and this time it paid off. The team did a good strategy and after the second safety car period I was in second. At that point the handling was incredible and I was almost able to keep up with Alonso and pull out the gap I needed. The pit stops were excellent today and I'd like to pass on a big thank you to all the team. I've scored points in 14 races out of 19 this year and I look forward to pushing even further up the grid next season."

Jarno Trulli "That was a difficult afternoon and things just didn't work out for me. I've found the car hard to handle all weekend. The balance was not too bad in the first stint, but after ten laps I felt a vibration from the front left tyre. Then the first safety car period came at just the wrong time – just after I had made my first pit stop – and that ruined my race. We tried to recover by filling up to the end at the second safety car but by then I was well down the field and I eventually had to come in to change my front left tyre. Still, it has been a great season so thanks to all the team. We missed out on a few podiums and a lot of points, but we showed a strong performance so I look forward to more success in 2006."

Tsutomu Tomita, Team Principal "It has been a very good year for us and to finish on the podium is a fine way to finish it off. So I would like to offer my thanks to everyone on the race team and at Cologne as well as everyone at TMC in Japan and all our partners. Thanks to both drivers for a great season. Jarno has been unfortunate several times and again today he didn't have much luck. He pitted the lap before the safety car and it ruined his race when he wasn't waved past. He had to make a late stop because of a bad tyre problem but I'm grateful to him for bringing the car home. Ralf was unlucky with the safety car at Suzuka but today went much better. We made efficient use of the pit stop and kept him out on the second safety car period hoping that traffic would hold up the field, which worked out perfectly. Our fifth podium is a great end to a great year. We are not yet able to compete with the top teams so we need harder development to overtake them. But we already have some excellent data from the B car and this podium will provide excellent motivation over the winter."

Mike Gascoyne, Technical Director Chassis "This podium is a fitting tribute to all the year's hard work by everyone both on the race team and back in Cologne. To come here with the B car and go away with a result like that is excellent so a big thank you to everyone involved."

Christian Klien scored his highest ever finish, set the some of the fastest laps of the race and crossed the line fifth to take four points for the team and himself in the FIA Championships. Team mate David Coulthard finished 9th.
Christian Klien "Absolutely brilliant, fantastic, that was one of the best races for me. Everything came together and not pitting during the second safety car worked perfectly. When I came out of the pits and saw on the pit board that I was fifth, I couldn't believe it. It was great to set some of the fastest laps of the race too, as the fuel went down in the car, it just got better and better to drive. It's a great way to end the season."

David Coulthard "That was pants. With every safety car we went backwards, but that's the way these things work sometimes. Safety cars either work for or against you. We made our pit stop one lap before it came out, which cost us, but there was also some confusion with Jenson and Montoya. I overtook them both and came up along side the safety car. I slowed down to clarify the safety car wanted me to pass, but they both re-passed me alongside the safety car and re-took position.I asked Charlie Whiting (FIA) for clarification during the race, to find out if it was allowed, but it never came from the FIA. I know it's very confusing in those situations, as there's lots of traffic and cars, but it undoubtedly cost me some points. Christian scoring four points is great for the team and it concludes what's been a very positive first year for Red Bull Racing. We'll be back next year and, hopefully, be even stronger."

Christian Horner, Sporting Director "Christian drove an excellent race. We decided not to stop him during the second pace car, which, due to his track position, was the right thing to do. He set some impressive times, including, at one point, the fastest lap of the race. We managed to leapfrog the group of cars behind Barrichello, which included David, and fifth place was a well- deserved finish after a good season for him. David looked extremely strong in the first part of the race before we pitted. Unfortunately, he picked up the pace car at just the wrong time, which cost him significantly as it allowed other cars to pass, while David had to effectively complete another lap to catch the safety car. This ultimately cost him points. I'd also like to thank Cosworth who have done an excellent job for us in this race and all season."

Michael Janes, Cosworth F1 Race Engineering "Both Cosworth engines ran without fault all weekend, despite a more aggressive duty cycle. We're delighted with Christian's fifth position, which is a great result for him. David had a frustrating race, which prevented him from getting the most from his car and engine. But, overall, a great way for Cosworth and Red Bull Racing to end the season."

In Peter Sauber's last race as a Formula One Team Principal, Team Sauber Petronas drivers Felipe Massa and Jacques Villeneuve finished sixth and tenth respectively in the season-ending Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.
Felipe Massa "The car was much better than I expected. The turning point of the race was when we decided to stay out when the second safety car period began. But on the restart I really had to push massively hard to open out enough of an advantage to make a later stop. I had flat-spotted the left front tyre and that lost me a lot of grip, but towards the end I had no trouble keeping Webber behind me. After I crossed the line Peter promised me a car for finishing sixth, so I'm really glad I didn't have to give it up! On a more serious note, it was a wonderful way to thank Peter and this great team and to finish the World Championship and the history of the Sauber era. For me, P6 was as good as a podium today."

Jacques Villeneuve "I was unlucky because I lost out in both safety car incidents. On each restart I had trouble getting heat into the front tyres. But later on I was very lucky to avoid getting involved in Karthikeyan's accident. I saw smoke everywhere and thought he would come back across towards me, which he did. I just missed him and the nose of his car which had become detached, but I did hit some debris. After that I had good clean fights with Monteiro and Trulli. It's frustrating because we ran low downforce and were quick on the straight, and overall our pace was good today."

Peter Sauber, Team Principal "This was one of the most emotional days of my time in Formula One, for both myself and for the team. It was a very exciting race with a happy ending. When the safety car came out the second time Willy Rampf decided on a high-risk strategy to keep Felipe out, and Felipe rose superbly to the occasion to do everything he needed to do to make that work. It was perfect teamwork, which complemented the reliability of the Sauber Petronas C24. Jacques' race was going well until the first safety car period, after which he lost the rhythm.
I want to thank everyone on the team for doing an excellent job today and over the past 13 years, and all our fans back home in Switzerland and around the world for the unfailing support we have enjoyed so much during our memorable time in Formula One."

The last race of the 2005 season, which also marked the end of the six- years partnership between BMW and WilliamsF1, saw Mark Webber taking seventh place while team-mate Antonio Pizzonia was forced to retire on the last lap when he was running 11th, due to a puncture to his right rear tyre.
Mark Webber "It has been quite a frustrating Grand Prix I don't think many drivers enjoyed it. The safety cars destroyed the race for many of us but that's the way it goes sometimes. It was a shame I could not get Barrichello earlier. He had absolutely no speed in the corners but good top speed so I could not attack him on the straight. I want to thank all the team, because throughout the season we had zero retirements related to the work they did. An absolutely incredible job from all of them."

Antonio Pizzonia "It was a difficult race for me. It was a very hard decision for the team to take both Mark and myself in for our pit-stops when the second safety car came out. We took a risk and unfortunately it didn't go our way, but this is racing. Track conditions changed a lot throughout the race and that made everything more difficult. Also, we lacked speed on the straight which is vital for over-taking. We couldn't finish this season as we had wished but in general I think for me this was again a very good experience which enabled me to learn another new circuit."

Sam Michael, Technical Director "It is not really the end that we would have liked to have had to the season because the car was stronger today than the result. Anyway, that's it for the 2005 season. Now we're looking forward to returning to our winning form next year. With Mark's race strategy we should have been further up if we hadn't been held off for so long by Barrichello. Congratulations to Renault for taking both Championships, they really deserved it more than any other team."

Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director "Due to the incidents and safety car phases it was quite a turbulent race today. In the end, the two drivers who have dominated the entire season were at the front. Behind them just about anything was possible today. Mark got stuck behind Rubens Barrichello after his second pit stop and therefore missed out on the chance of a podium finish, which would have been a very nice conclusion to our six years partnership with WilliamsF1. However, one can say that our team performed well in the last few races. Congratulations to Renault for a well deserved constructors' title."

It was a disappointing end to the 2005 Formula 1 season for B.A.R Honda. In the season-closing Chinese Grand Prix, Jenson Button came home in eighth place and his team-mate, Takuma Sato, retired with gearbox problems.
Jenson Button “Today’s result was obviously a disappointing way to end the season. We lost out under the first safety car when we pitted and the safety car was in front of us. The safety car should have waved us past, but as it didn’t, Montoya sat behind it and that was it then, I lost about three places. In the first stint the car was good but towards the end it wasn’t that much better than in Japan. We just didn’t make the final step up that we’d hoped for here. It’s been a long, hard season for all of us but we are all much stronger and more determined. My thoughts are already turning to 2006 and I know we have a lot to look forward to next year. For now I just want to thank everyone in this team, at Honda, at Michelin and all our partners for their incredible support this year during some very difficult times. We have a lot to look forward to together next season.”

Takuma Sato “Today’s race was a difficult one and the end result was disappointing because I was making good progress and a points finish looked possible. The gearbox problems I had been experiencing earlier in the race eventually forced me to retire which is a frustrating way to end the season and my time with B.A.R Honda. It’s been a tough year but it has been great to be a part of this team. We have had some fantastic times together and I have a lot of good memories. I would like to thank everybody in the team and all our partners. I wish them all the very best of luck for the future.”

The Jordan Grand Prix drivers experienced mixed fortunes in the concluding race of its final season and 250th Grand Prix in Formula One. Narain Karthikeyan came into the pits at the end of the formation lap while Monteiro had a good start. After the safety car period due to a damaged drain cover being on the track, Karthikeyan lost control of his car at turn 13 but fortunately escaped unhurt from the ensuing accident. Monteiro, the first Bridgestone finisher today, had a rather uneventful race, ran a two-stop strategy and finished in 11th position.
Tiago Monteiro "Wow, what a season. I am so happy and excited about the whole year. When you start the season you do not really know what to expect and to finish the season with such a high record of race finishes, great reliability, best rookie of the year, man of the race in Spa, a podium at Indy is unbelievable. I could not have dreamt of a better first season. I would like to thank the team as Formula One is really a team sport. They have all done a fantastic job to give me such a good car. Even in the last race, we were able to fight with the Toyotas and Williams. It was a lot of fun and I have really enjoyed this season."

Narain Karthikeyan "It was an exciting race. We had to pit in the first lap because we had a slight problem and we wanted to make sure it was ok. I passed Doornbos in the first pit stop and the safety car came out for what was a long time, which caused my tyres to lose temperature and pressure. A lot of drivers were making mistakes trying to warm up their tyres. Then when the race started again, I had a good first lap and passed Sato. I was following Trulli and coming to turn 13, I do not know what happened. The car was on the artificial grass and it sucked me into the wall. I had a very big accident but I am happy to say that it could have been worse. I have a bit of a sore neck but apart from this I am ok."

Adrian Burgess, Sporting Director "Narain obviously had a fairly huge shunt, which was partly due to the safety staying out on track quite a long time. However, the main thing is that he is ok. Tiago did a fantastic job. The engineers made the right strategy choices under safety car. Tiago had another finish and apart from the last 15 laps in the Brazilian GP, he has completed all of the 19 races. He has had the most race mileage from all the drivers, which is amazing for a rookie. This shows the excellent reliability we have had throughout the season. We would like to thank our partners, Toyota and Bridgestone for their tremendous support.
I would also like to congratulate Renault for winning the Constructors Championship as well as the Drivers Championship. This is the end of an era for the yellow cars and now we are looking forward to next year when we will become Midland. Everybody is very motivated and I would also like to thank all the staff at the factory and everyone who has supported Jordan over the years. Let's start again and here we go Midland 2006."

The final race of the season saw Schumacher and Christijan Albers make heavy contact on the way to the grid for the race. In the spare car for the Grand Prix, Schumacher would later spin out whilst behind the safety car and end his season on a low note. Rubens Barrichello finished 12th in his last race for the Scuderia. The Brazilian will be driving for the Honda Team next season.
Rubens Barrichello "It was a hard race, during which everything was working okay up to the first pit stop. The team did a good job in terms of strategy, calling me at the right time, which allowed me to make up a couple of places. But from that point on, I felt I was losing performance and was having some problems with my front tyres. Basically, from the second Safety Car period onwards, my tyres were gone. The only enjoyable part of the race was my duel with Mark, but really I was in trouble because I had no grip at the front. So, a sad race, but I want to thank everyone in the team, both here and those back in Maranello. We have had a fantastic years. I learnt a lot and it is Ferrari that has given me the chance to build something for the future. I am grateful for that and I am sure we will be friends for ever."

Michael Schumacher "This weird ending pretty much sums up our season. As far as the warm-up lap is concerned, I was just warming up my tyres when suddenly I felt a big bang. I have not seen the incident on video yet, so I will not comment further. Then, during the Safety Car period, I spun simply because my tyres were completely worn and they were very cold, so when someone braked ahead of me, I had to brake as well and went off the track. Actually, I am not sure I would have finished the race because of the condition of my tyres. The only positive thing is that I am third in the championship. Now, let's look ahead to putting things right next season."

Jean Todt "A bad end to a very disappointing season. Today, we failed to get either car home in the points. It is not the first time that, along with Bridgestone we find ourselves leaving the track empty handed after a difficult weekend. Given that situation, we can say that third place in the Constructors' and the same result with Michael in the Drivers' is pretty much of a miracle.
I hope we can put this year behind us as quickly as possible and to be back for the start of the next season in a position to once again aim for the top. To do that, we have a lot of work ahead of us along with our friends at Bridgestone, in whom we have great confidence. I want to make a point of thanking Rubens for putting his heart and soul into trying to end his time at Ferrari, which will always be unforgettable, in the best possible way. Unfortunately, excessive front tyre wear meant he was unable to make it into the top eight.
And an affectionate thought for Peter Sauber: a great race from Felipe Massa means he can end his fantastic adventure in Formula 1 in fine style. I wish him every happiness for the future."

Ross Brawn "This race was a very strange way to finish the season, but perhaps it typifies our year. Michael had an incident before the start and then, behind the Safety Car, he was just caught out as he was warming up his brakes. Rubens was doing fine for a while, but then his tyres began to lose performance. From that point on there was not much he could do. We changed the left front wheel because of a flat spot that was causing a lot of vibration. For safety reasons we felt there was little to be gained by staying out on track, so we changed it. Obviously, a very disappointing season and Ferrari and Bridgestone know they have a lot of work to do to get back to where we need to be. No one at Ferrari has enjoyed this season and we will be back stronger."

Doornbos finished 13th in the last race for the Minardi F1 Team. Albers had to exit the race when a wheel nut came loose.
Robert Doornbos “I said over the radio at the end of the race, ‘Thank you, Minardi, for giving me the chance to make my debut as a Formula One driver’. The race itself started spectacularly for us, and I think I did my best on cold tyres after the Safety Car incidents to pass both a Williams and Villeneuve’s Sauber a couple of times. I think I drove well and really enjoyed myself this afternoon. Let’s hope I can be back in Shanghai again next year and get a better result.”

Christijan Albers “I think everyone saw what happened on the formation lap, and I think it was a shame for both of us. To be honest, we had bad luck all day. I had to start the race in the spare car, which is not to the latest specification – it lacks power steering, for example – and on different tyres. Unfortunately, I lost one lap almost immediately, when I came out from my first pit stop behind the leaders, who were behind the Safety Car by that time for Montoya’s incident. Still, that’s life, but it’s also F1. It’s hard, and you have to get used to it. It will just make me determined to push even harder next year.”

Giancarlo Minardi, Team Founder “I want to thank our Technical Director, Gabriele Tredozi, for everything he has done to make the Minardi name synonymous around the world with competing with dignity and to the maximum level possible, given the available technical resources. Over the years, we have experienced a number of problems, but we’ve been able to deal with them thanks to the passion that has always existed within this team. I want to thank all the guys, at the races and at the factory, for the effort they have put in over these last 21 years. I also want to thank all the drivers, who have helped to make this team great, and all the sponsors and fans, who have supported us unstintingly.”

Paul Stoddart, Team Principal “The tally is 340 Grand Prix, 21 seasons, 37 drivers and one World Champion, with perhaps more to come. That’s a pretty impressive record by any standards, and I’m proud of each and every member of the Minardi team. Together with all of our colleagues back at the factory in Faenza, this team has a heart and soul second to none. The words, “Never has so much been achieved by so few with so little,” can never have been as justified as they are with Minardi. Given that the team has survived against all odds over the years, competing with both dignity and passion while contributing so much to the FIA Formula One World Championship, today is a sad day. To our current drivers, Christijan and Robert, and to all the Minardi drivers and team members over the years, thank you very much for a job well done.”