23/08/2008
NEWS STORY
It was a difficult afternoon for the ING Renault F1 Team as Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet qualified in 12th and 15th places respectively for tomorrow's European Grand Prix in Valencia.
Conditions were cool and overcast as the session got underway with a track temperature of 27°C. There was also the constant threat of rain with a few spots falling in the middle of the session.
Both Fernando and Nelson progressed through Q1 in a closely fought opening session as the track evolved and improved with every lap. Q2 proved to be just as competitive as Fernando secured 12th, while Nelson finished the session in 15th.
Those positions leave the team facing a tough battle tomorrow in what promises to be an exciting race as Valencia stages its first Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso: I am understandably disappointed with the qualifying session because I had other hopes for today. The race tomorrow will therefore be more difficult, but, as we are on a street course, anything is possible in the race. We must continue working hard this evening to try and work out the best strategy that will allow us to be ready for all eventualities tomorrow, such as a safety car period, which seems quite likely.
Nelson Piquet: I am disappointed with my qualifying, and I could probably have set a better time this afternoon. I don't think our result shows our true pace because Fernando also failed to reach Q3 when we both had the potential. I will now work with my engineers and prepare for an aggressive race to move up through the field tomorrow.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: Considering all the preparation involved for this new circuit, it's very disappointing not to have any of our cars in the final part of qualifying. I am sure we had the potential to do so, but potential is not an ultimate result. However, I'm sure it will be an interesting race tomorrow. In the event here several weeks ago, we saw that the safety car can play an important role, and we will think hard about our strategy to try to make the most of our situation.
Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Track Operations: Our position at the end of qualifying is disappointing, especially as we thought we had done some good work yesterday and seen some encouraging results. But all is not lost and we will try and develop a strong strategy that will allow us to make the most of grid positions.