Qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix proved an eventful affair, with gusting wind and some light rain disrupting the smooth running of the session. Building on the basis of solid work in practice, the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team finished in fifth and ninth places (Alonso followed by Trulli) on the grid. Although these positions were slightly disappointing, the two R24s will nevertheless start from the clean side of the grid, which is a significant advantage at the Hungaroring.

Fernando Alonso: "The grip levels of the circuit changed a lot for me between the first and second sessions, which was a bit of a surprise. I attacked as hard as possible, but after my lap I had the impression that it could have been better. The R24 was well-balanced and it handled very well. If I can make a good start from fifth position, then I think we can have an interesting race."

Jarno Trulli: "The brief rain shower ruined my qualifying lap. The first sector was dry, and I was very quick, then I got to the second sector and felt that the car was sliding more because it was damp. The lack of grip caused my mistake in the chicane at turns six and seven, and then I tried to be as quick as possible in the final sector. I didn't expect to be ninth on the grid in Hungary, and I think it will make tomorrow's race a tough one for me."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: "Although we clearly need more performance at this circuit, the result in qualifying is by no means bad and both of our cars will start from the clean side of the grid. Fernando found the car balance to be good and the grip much better in the final session, such that he perhaps did not get the best from the package. However, I do not think this affected his position. Jarno was extremely unlucky, and he encountered the first rain shower we have seen here during a session of the Hungarian Grand Prix in eighteen years."

Denis Chevrier, Engine Operations Manager: "Given the importance of good grid positions here in Hungary, we must admit that our positions are perhaps not the most advantageous for the race. As expected, the times were extremely tight and it is frustrating to see our biggest rivals, the two BARs, directly ahead of Fernando: without the rain Jarno encountered, ze could have been fifth and sixth, which would have better reflected our level of performance. However, we cannot rule anything out for tomorrow, and we will certainly be fighting for a podium finish."