2008 Turkish Grand Prix, Sunday
By Renault F1
May 11 2008
The ING Renault F1 Team made the most of an eventful Turkish Grand Prix as Fernando Alonso brought his R28 home in a well-earned 6th place, while teammate Nelson Piquet ended the afternoon in 15th. A mixed qualifying session yesterday saw Fernando and Nelson start the race from 7th and 17th places respectively, with the team targeting a points finish in the race.
An eventful opening lap saw both Renault drivers in the thick of the action with Fernando making up two positions, while Nelson was forced to take avoiding action in the first corner melee, dropping to the back of the field.
As the race developed Fernando ran competitively in the top six for the whole afternoon to secure the team three valuable points. Nelson faced an uphill battle to recover from the back of the pack, but raced hard to finish in 15th place.
Having confirmed the progress made in recent weeks, the team will look to carry its good form into the Monaco Grand Prix in two weeks time.
Fernando Alonso, P6
“We were on the pace this weekend and scored some valuable points today, which confirms the progress we have made recently and is thanks to the hard work of everyone in the team. I made a good start, which was essential for a strong race and after that everything went smoothly. We had a good strategy, the car was well balanced and there were no problems with the tyres, so I am happy. Now we must continue working hard to catch up with the leading teams, but we are in good shape.”
Nelson Piquet, P15
“I am satisfied with my performance today. My race started badly as I had to avoid the accident at the start which held me up. After that we just stuck to our strategy and tried to make up ground. The most important thing is that I finished the race and I have gained some more experience. I would have liked to finish further up, but I think that my weekend was determined during the qualifying session yesterday. I will make the most of what I have learned this weekend and put it to use at the next Grand Prix in Monaco, which will be an exciting race.”
Flavio Briatore, Managing Director
“It’s nice to see some encouraging signs of improvement. Fernando made a fantastic start and had a great race to get us some important points. It was difficult for Nelson starting from so far back, but he managed to drive a consistent race and kept pace with the midfield pack. We are confident that we are starting a new phase which will see us get closer and closer to the top three teams.”
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering
“I think we made the most of our chances today. Fernando’s race was essentially with Webber, but it was gratifying to see that we were closer to the BMWs once again, although there is still a gap that we need to close. Nelson’s race was always going to be difficult and there was little we could do for him strategically, but it was a spirited drive, especially his defence against Heikki.”
100% F1 Renault 2005-2006 WDC & WCC.
Oh well I guess we best believe the TV pundits argument that he knew he could never keep ahead of the Ferrari so why fight.
fighting with kimi would only help hamilton in that moment of the race.
Quote:no point.remember alonso is no stupid, fighting with kimi would only help hamilton in that moment of the race.
No not stupid but a moron. Alonso is driving for Renault not Ferrari, the only person Alonso should let past him if needed is his team mate, oh I forgot with team mates he parks in the pit lane.
If we follow your logic Alonso should let any McLarn BMW or Ferrari past him at every face.
Quote:How was your race?
Fernando Alonso: Rather good. I made an excellent start which was decisive for the final result. We also knew that the first lap would be crucial - it always is, but especially in Istanbul. Our strategy worked well, we did not make any mistakes and I had no problems with the car. The balance was good and the tyres worked well. And so we have scored three valuable points. It's clear that we have built on the progress we showed in Barcelona and have become the fourth placed team. Although there is still much work to do, the result is encouraging.
Nelson Piquet: Starting in 17th, I knew that it would be difficult to do much without an incident in the race. So my priority was to bring the car home and to continue learning and gaining experience. I was able to avoid the accident at the first corner, even though it cost me a bit of time. Then we just kept to our strategy and I tried to make up some places. I finished in 15th and I think it would have been difficult do much better today.
Are you satisfied with the result?
FA: I believe that we can be. Nobody in the team would have thought that it would be possible to fight at this level three weeks ago and so it is good to be leaving Turkey with some more points.
NP: We cannot really be happy with 15th place, but the race was certainly determined during qualifying. Considering this, I am happy with my performance in the race. I was consistent and I was able to keep pace with the pack.
What are your hopes for Monaco in 15 days?
FA: Difficult to say. It is a circuit where the driver can really make the difference and spring a surprise. On the other hand, you need good traction and that is what we are missing at the moment. So we may not be as competitive as we were in Turkey, but let's wait and see. In any case I will approach this race with enormous motivation.
NP: I cannot wait to experience the feeling of driving the roads of the Principality at the wheel of a Formula 1 car. I know the circuit because I have driven there in GP2 in the past, but I think that it will still be a totally new experience for me on a Grand Prix weekend.
100% F1 Renault 2005-2006 WDC & WCC.
Nah!...only with hamilton
"If we follow your logic Alonso should let any McLaren BMW or Ferrari past him at every Race"
doubt he let pass any Mclaren
but if its worth to spoil wonderpuppy race, great! go ahead.
let kova pass.
"Alonso is driving for Renault"
Thats your Main Error.first he drives for himself,
then for the team, the drivers championship is what matters.
OK Folks, Heads up!!!,We are going to win Next championship.
Fernando Alonso dixit
205 races 32 wins 22 pole 91 podiums,65 races with ferrari, 11 wins, 37 podiums 23 consecutive races in the points, and there goes the record.. thanks grosjean!,thanks Kimi!..now the record is yours.
Quote:Thats your Main Error.first he drives for himself, then for the team, the drivers championship is what matters.
Its not my error but I accept that it may be Alonso's attitude which is perhaps why I dislike him. Alonso like all drivers is just an employee at his team. I'm sure Alonso would be more than upset if he though that all the engineers, designers and support staff were dong things to promote their own rather than the teams interests.
OK Folks, Heads up!!!,We are going to win Next championship.
Fernando Alonso dixit
205 races 32 wins 22 pole 91 podiums,65 races with ferrari, 11 wins, 37 podiums 23 consecutive races in the points, and there goes the record.. thanks grosjean!,thanks Kimi!..now the record is yours.