Renault focus on qualifying session
Warm and sunny weather greeted the team and made for ideal conditions as both Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet completed trouble-free programmes. Having spent four days testing in Barcelona last week, the team had completed lots of miles and so the day was spent fine-tuning the set-up and completing tyre evaluation. Overall it was a promising start to the weekend, laying the foundations for a successful qualifying session tomorrow.
Fernando Alonso: “This first day of running allowed us to finish the work we began in testing last week. We have therefore tried different configurations and have been able to collect lots of information. But the conditions on the track were very different to those we had last week, with more wind and much less grip, and you had to get used to it. I am satisfied with my day’s work and the results that we have registered. However, we still need to improve here tomorrow to ensure a good qualifying session because that will determine our race on Sunday.”
Nelson Piquet: “I am happy with the day’s work. The car felt good, we have tried lots of different settings and we have made good progress with the evaluation of the tyres. I covered a lot of laps and completed my programme. We therefore have lots of data which we will look at this evening so that we can continue progressing and be in the best possible condition for qualifying.”
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: “In spite of the poor weather at the recent test, we were still able to complete a lot of work, which meant that we could run a slightly different programme today. While it is always nice to see the cars near the top of the timesheets, we have to keep in mind that this is Friday, and does not necessarily represent the complete picture. However, we have moved forward with the modifications that are on the car this weekend.”
Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Track Operations: “It’s still difficult to know with certainty what our position is in the pack. We have certainly made progress, but the gaps between the teams are small and we don’t know exactly which teams really attacked today and what their real potential is. But it is important that we were able to complete our programme without any difficulties today, and both of our drivers did well to adapt to the changeable track conditions. We completed lots of laps, and so we have a lot of valuable information which is encouraging at this stage of
