Luck is provoked, they say, at Renault

After a fiercely contested race, Renault clinched its first podium of the season today with Nelson Piquet finishing second in the 2008 German Grand Prix. His teammate, however, had a more complicated afternoon and ultimately finished 11th. At the start this afternoon, both Fernando and Nelson struggled somewhat; Fernando lost several positions despite being particularly aggressive in trying to find his place in the pack. After a long first stint with Nelson, the team finally decided to stick to a one-stop strategy and refueled to go the full 67 laps of this Grand Prix. The decision paid off as on lap 36, the safety car was deployed.

At the opening of the pit lane, most of the competitors rush in for refueling, and Nelson is then at the head of the line. However, Lewis Hamilton proves to be faster, and Nelson decides not to take unnecessary risks. He then crosses the finish line in second position; it is his first podium in the premier category, a fully deserved result today and eight crucial points in Renault’s battle for the Constructors’ Championship.

The team is now preparing for another busy work week, as they will be testing for four days at the Jerez circuit before tackling the eleventh round of the world championship in Budapest in two weeks.

Fernando Alonso – 11th:

This was a tough race for me. I struggled at the start and lost several positions. After that, I was in the rhythm but it was too difficult to climb back up. I believe we simply lacked luck today, but now we need to look ahead, and I want to focus on the next Grand Prix.

Nelson Piquet – 2nd:

« I’m obviously very happy! After my qualifying yesterday, I thought it was the end of my weekend, but we decided on an aggressive strategy and the team made the right decision just before the safety car came out. Then, I focused on maintaining my pace and preserving my tires as much as possible. I knew Lewis was much faster, and I didn’t want to take unnecessary risks. This second place is a great reward for the whole team today! »

Flavio Briatore – Managing Director Renault:

Nelson had a remarkable race. He showed great speed at the end of the race and managed to withstand pressure that was colossal. He couldn’t contain Hamilton who was much faster and managed to defend his second place firmly. Of course, I am very happy for him and for the team who deserved such a result!

Pat Symonds – Executive Director of Engineering:

« We had a bit of luck today, but I remain convinced that you have to know how to create your own luck! Our decision to go all the way with Nelson was the right one, and the entry of the safety car undeniably helped us! Then, Nelson drove remarkably, managing the pressure and following our instructions to the letter. I want to congratulate him and hope this is just the beginning! »

« If Nelson had a bit of luck, Fernando, on the other hand, was sorely lacking it. He had a difficult race. We know that Fernando always gives his best, and today’s result has undoubtedly further increased his determination for the next Grand Prix in Hungary. »

According to a Renault F1 press release