On the right track - Dassas

The President of the ING Renault F1 Team, Alain Dassas, is satisfied with the upturn in performance, but a bit disappointed about the outcome of the race: he talks about the French Grand Prix weekend.

"I think that we achieved our objectives in qualifying yesterday: fifth and sixth places on the grid confirmed the progress we’ve made. Over the past several weeks we’ve been pursuing a programme aimed at solving our problems and it’s beginning to pay off. From this point of view, we’re on the right track. I’m also very satisfied with the way in which Renault has reacted to the difficult start to the season: all the team members have shown solidarity and motivation. On the other hand, I’m a bit disappointed with the team’s results in the race."

"Heikki was potentially very quick but he was unable to show it as he was hit on the first lap. From the on his chances of a points finish were virtually nil. As for Giancarlo, he did his best but he lost a place to Heidfeld by e few tenths; he rejoined just a hair’s breadth behind the German. BMW scored 6 points more than us in the championship and that hurts a little bit. I’ve managed to console myself with the way in which Giancarlo fought off Fernando Alonso at the end of the race."

"As we’ve already said development is on going. The biggest step forward will be at the Hungarian Grand Prix. So I’m very hopeful for the second half of the championship. The Turkish Grand Prix could mark our real comeback."