6th position for Kovalainen as Fisico fails to score points
After frustrating races at the European and Hungarian Grands Prix, the drivers demonstrated the worth of recent developments to the R27 by putting in consistent, competitive drives over the 58 lap distance. Both cars ran two-stop strategies, and ran longer than their rivals in the opening stint which allowed them to gain positions.
By the chequered flag, Heikki Kovalainen had out-performed the BMW of Robert Kubica and was closing down the McLaren of Lewis Hamilton, while Giancarlo Fisichella put in a strong drive and would have scored points were it not for a first-corner incident that cost him time and track position. Nevertheless, the race marked a welcome return to form for the ING Renault F1 Team, and we will be hoping for further improvements in two weeks’ time at the Italian Grand Prix.
Heikki Kovalainen, 6th position
"This was a really good race for me. The start was quite exciting, as Heidfeld pushed me very wide on the run to the first corner, and I had to back off quite a lot. But I defended my position aggressively and once the tyres started working properly after a few laps, the car balance was stable and the pace was consistent. Both types of tyre worked well on our car today, although it felt a little more comfortable in the final laps on the softer one. The team did a great job with the pit-stops, and the strategy was spot on. Ever since Nürburgring when we introduced some new developments, we have been looking for the chance to prove they were a step forward, and I think this race has done that. Now, we need to get our heads down and try to make another step at Monza."
Giancarlo Fisichella, 9th position
"My race was compromised by what happened at the first corner. Jarno braked very suddenly in front of me, I had nowhere to go and ended up hitting him, which cost me positions and made him spin. That ruined his race, and I am sorry, but it also cost me the chance of finishing in the points. After that, it was tough: I just had to drive flat out, and hope for retirements. Unfortunately that didn’t happen, but the pace of the car was not too bad."
Flavio Briatore, Managing Director "It was a very good performance from Heikki, and a shame for Fisico because the car was good today. This is the first race in a long time where we have been competitive with BMW, and it felt like we were back racing properly again. There were no mistakes this afternoon, and the team did a very strong job all weekend. We can go to Monza and Spa feeling more optimistic after this performance."
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering "After the disappointment of the last two races, it was great to see some concrete evidence of the recent improvements we have made to the car. Both cars performed strongly throughout the race, and Heikki’s position was a just reward for a very good drive. There is no doubt that without his collision at the first corner, Giancarlo would have been right with him. All in all, this result was a promising reward for all the hard work that the team has done in recent weeks, and it once again demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction."
