Renault Report – Both cars in the points

Renault sees for the first time this season both its cars entering the points during its national Grand Prix, which took place today at the Magny-Cours circuit. Very competitive since the beginning of the weekend, Fernando and Nelson started today from the third and ninth positions on the grid, respectively. Fernando lost several positions at the start while Nelson gained one and then engaged in a fierce battle with the McLarens at the beginning of the race.

As the race progressed, the team opted for a two-stop strategy for both cars which were in 7th and 8th positions after their second refueling. At the end of the race, Nelson finally gained the advantage over his teammate who went slightly wide at Adelaide, thus scoring his first points in Formula 1.

The team is now preparing to tackle the British Grand Prix, the ninth round of the World Championship, and will be on track next week for three days of testing at Silverstone.

Fernando Alonso – 8th:

« I am obviously disappointed. We could have aimed for the podium, I am convinced of it, but I lost too many places at the start and afterwards I couldn’t find my rhythm from yesterday. The car was fast on the straight, but that didn’t allow me to catch up. I score a point and I am determined to make up for it at the next British Grand Prix. »

Nelson Piquet – 7th:

« This is the first time everything went smoothly for me. The car, the team’s strategy, me, everything fell into place and it paid off since I’m scoring my first two points today. I’m happy, of course, and I hope it will continue like this for the rest of the season. »

Flavio Briatore – Managing Director Renault:

« Today we had other ambitions but are happy nonetheless to see our two cars finish in the points. Fernando lost places at the start and we were not able to come back after that. Nelson had a remarkable race, he was very consistent and aggressive. I am very pleased to see him earn his first points today. »

Pat Symonds – Executive Director of Engineering

« Strangely, we are a bit disappointed today to see our two cars in the points. We had opted for a very aggressive strategy with Fernando but had to revise it after the start, and it was no longer at its optimum. In general, we still need to improve our level of competitiveness, but we are very happy today to see Nelson score his first points in F1. »

According to a Renault F1 press release