Latest News

2008 Australian Grand Prix, Sunday - 16 MARCH 
 

The ING Renault F1 Team made the most of an eventful Australian Grand Prix to claim a fourth place finish with Fernando Alonso. But the joy was tempered by the retirement of Nelson Piquet, who was unable to complete his first Grand Prix after sustaining damage on the opening lap of the race.

Having endured a difficult qualifying session yesterday, Fernando and Nelson started the race in 11th and 20th places, but the team was confident of progressing in the race and targeted a points finish. Those aspirations looked achievable after both drivers made up ground during a hectic first lap. Nelson was up to 12th place by the end of the first lap, but he sustained damage to the rear of his car which ultimately ended his race. Fernando delivered a fighting drive, carving his way through the field to eventually snatch fourth place in the closing stages of the race, despite losing ground during two of the safety car periods. The result places the ING Renault F1 Team in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship with a total of five points as the team heads to Malaysia for the next race in a week’s time.

Fernando Alonso, P4
“That was a very strange race with lots of overtaking, incidents and mechanical problems for lots of drivers. We were able to make the most of the opportunities that came our way today and finished the first Grand Prix with a good result, which will give the team a boost and give us confidence for the rest of the season. However, we must continue working to improve our level of performance in qualifying and our pace in the race, but the result today is very important for us.”

Nelson Piquet, DNF
“I made a good start and I was able to make up some places during the first lap, which was pretty hectic. Unfortunately I was hit at the start, which damaged my car and so I did not manage to reach the end of my first Grand Prix. Of course, I am disappointed, but I learned a lot this weekend and I cannot wait to go to Malaysia to continue my apprenticeship and hopefully get a better result. I already know the Sepang circuit, so it should be easier.”

For more information on the ING Renault F1 team visit www.ing-renaultf1.com