14/05/2007
NEWS STORY
Mr. Dassas, what's your opinion on today's race?
Alain Dassa, Renault F1 Team President: "We've seen a slight improvement this weekend, which is encouraging. Heikki's race was also very positive, as it was very consistent this afternoon. In addition, we ran into problems with our refuelling rigs. This obliged us to make three stops instead of the two initially scheduled, so we ended up in seventh and ninth places."
You were back in the paddock after being absent for a few races. How did you find the team's motivation?
AD: Morale is good, that's for sure. The people from Viry and Enstone know that Formula 1 is made of highs and lows; they're know how to handle fluctuations in competitiveness. The engineers are working hard to solve our problems, I can assure you. We have pinpointed the zones of the car that are concerned. Now all we have to do is to find and apply to solutions to get us back on the right track. There's still work to be done."
How does this situation affect you personally?
AD: "When I was made head of the team I knew that we couldn't keep on winning for ever. I even thought that 2006 would be a less fruitful season than the previous one. Today, I'm trying to make my own contribution to solving the problems. It's when things aren't going well that you have to be present, listen to what's going on and get all the information. I show that I'm backing the team and that we're unified."
What objectives have you set for the team for the end of the season?
AD: "They haven't changed. We need to be fighting for podium places by the end of the season, and to try and become the third quickest team. That's the minimum required. I'm fully confident and I know we're capable of achieving that. The car's improving at every race. There's obvious progress, although it's in small steps at the moment. Now, we need to accelerate that development."