28/05/2005
NEWS STORY
The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team took solid grid positions during this afternoon's single qualifying session at the Nürburgring ahead of tomorrow's European Grand Prix. The session threw up a slightly unusual grid, inviting the conclusion that some teams have opted for different strategies under the revised qualifying format introduced this weekend. Both Renault F1 Team drivers were satisfied with their positions: Giancarlo Fisichella was the ninth car out, and set the fastest lap at that point of the session with his qualifying lap, before ending up ninth fastest overall. Fernando Alonso finished in sixth position, with strong hopes of a podium finish tomorrow once race strategies have become clear.
Fernando Alonso: I did a good lap, the car balance was reasonable and we have had no problems today, so I am pleased. It was a little bit surprising to end up sixth after being among the fastest cars in practice this morning, especially as our day has run smoothly, so I think the difference between myself and pole is probably down to some different strategies. I am still confident for tomorrow, and we believe in the choices we have made. I will certainly be aiming for the podium.
Giancarlo Fisichella: There was much less grip on the circuit this afternoon than in practice this morning, and I found it difficult to feel completely comfortable with the car, so I am not totally pleased with the lap. In light of that, I don't think ninth is too bad a position, especially as I had to run early in the session. I think we have a good car for the race conditions tomorrow, so now we need to see how the strategies work out, and make the most of our pace in the race.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: We are in lower positions than we had expected on the grid, and it is probable that this ties in with some differences in our strategy relative to a number of our competitors. We feel that the R25 will be strong right through the race, though, and therefore should probably not be too disappointed with our qualifying positions. I think a podium finish is well within our reach tomorrow.
Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Operations: The grid for tomorrow's race has a slightly unusual look to it, although we think it is likely that some of this will be down to differences in strategy that will only play out at the end of the opening stint of the race. Certainly, the large gaps between drivers, of six or seven tenths, indicate that there is probably quite a difference in fuel load between certain cars, especially as the order is very different to that we saw in practice this morning. From our point of view, we have had a trouble-free day, and now need to maintain our conviction in the choices we have made and see what tomorrow's race brings.