12/09/2004
NEWS STORY
Fernando spun out of third position while Jarno finished tenth in this afternoon's Italian Grand Prix.
The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team leaves Monza this evening disappointed but also with renewed determination. The team failed to score any points in the Italian Grand Prix and lost second position in the Constructors' Championship, and Renault now lies three points behind BAR. However, the weekend gave reasons to be optimistic for the end of the championship: prior to spinning, Fernando Alonso was running third and keeping pace with the leading cars. On a circuit that was not expected to favour the Renault R24, this baseline level of performance is an encouraging sign for the next three races. The team will go to these final rounds of the championship determined to reclaim second in the championship.
Jarno Trulli: "This was a very tough race for me. I struggled in the opening stages when the grip levels were low - I could not find a good pace and could not feel how the car was handling. As the circuit dried out, the handling improved slowly but the car was still difficult to drive. I was quick towards the end of my stints though, and particularly at the end of the race, but by then it was too late to make up any positions."
Fernando Alonso: "The first thing to say is that we will bounce back from this result. Monza was the worst circuit of the year for our car but I was competitive and fighting with BAR. I hope the next Grand Prix will see us climb back up the table. As for the race itself, we made the right decision on tyres at the start, I made a good start and then everything went as normal. Jenson overtook me during the first round of pit-stops, but I was keeping up with him. My spin occurred when I took too much kerb in the second chicane and lost control of the rear end of the car but after that, I was surprised that the marshals decided not to push me, as the rules allow them to. But that's life: we now need to focus on the last three races to re-take second place in the championship."
Flavio Briatore, Managing Director: "It was frustrating day for the entire team. Fernando was attacking a lot, driving on the limit and keeping up with Button. His speed was quite reassuring for us all. As for Jarno, it is unfortunate that he did not finish in the points. He was very quick at the end of the race and we do not understand why he did not have the same speed at the start. After fifteen races, our season will now come down to the last three rounds: our objective will be to close the gap to BAR."
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: "The race began very promisingly for us, after we made the correct tyre choice in the damp conditions and Fernando drove a very aggressive first stint during which he led the race. It was a shame to see him retire after spinning but that happens sometimes when a driver is taking risks and pushing to the limit. Jarno once again had a troubled race however our real reason for disappointment is that we have lost our championship position. The final three flyaway races will all be key races in determining the outcome of our season."