Assessment – Renault makes a comeback in the Constructor standings

As expected, the weather conditions played a crucial role in the unfolding of this thirteenth round of the world championship. Starting on dry tires, Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet both had a fantastic start, with the Spaniard in fourth place and Nelson in the top 8 at the end of the first lap.

Particularly consistent, Fernando Alonso held firm over the 44 laps of the race. The Spaniard clung to his fourth place, resisting the rain shower that disrupted the end of the race. Nelson Piquet, on the other hand, got caught out by a very heavy car in the Fagnes sequence on the fifteenth lap and had to retire.

With five points scored this afternoon, Renault confirms its determination to return to the Constructors’ Championship and now hopes to maintain this pace at Monza next week for the Italian Grand Prix.

Fernando Alonso – 4th:

We secure fourth place after a difficult race full of twists and turns. It’s a good result for the team from the championship perspective, we score big points and that was our goal. We missed out on a podium place today but we’ve shown that we can be the third strongest on the grid.

Nelson Piquet – Retirement.

« I was on a one-stop strategy. I made a good start, gained five positions which was encouraging. There were still some patches of moisture, my car was very heavy, and I made a mistake. It’s a shame because we could have done something, I’m sure of it. I want to stay positive. We are racing at Monza next week and I hope to have a better race. »

Flavio Briatore – General Manager Renault:

« We chose a good strategy, Fernando Alonso didn’t give up and it finally paid off as we secured fourth place, just behind the two top teams. It’s an encouraging result that we are happy to offer to ING for this Belgian Grand Prix, and we want to maintain this pace for Monza next week. We are confident, we can come back in the Constructors. »

Pat Symonds – Executive Director of Engineering:

Once again, uncertain track conditions made this race thrilling. We are satisfied because the car proved to be fast on a dry track and because we secured a solid result thanks to a superb performance by Fernando Alonso and excellent teamwork. Our goal is to achieve fourth place in the Constructors’ standings, and today’s result allows us to believe in it even more.

According to a Renault F1 statement