Formula 1 news
Strong performance in qualifying by Renault
01 April 2006 / Results / PhotosThe Renault F1 Team secured its strongest starting positions of the 2006 season so far during qualifying for the 2006 Australian GP this afternoon at Melbourne's Albert Park circuit. Giancarlo Fisichella qualified second, while team-mate Fernando Alonso will start from third position on the grid.
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The knockout qualifying format once again proved action-packed, and extremely busy for the team as it worked to secure the best possible positions for the two drivers. The final positions were decided by the quick laps on new tyres at the end of the third session. Giancarlo Fisichella set his fastest time on his second flying lap, in spite of some mistakes in the first part of the circuit, while Fernando Alonso was delayed by traffic in the final sector of his first timed lap after the car in front made a mistake, costing him half a second.
Even so, positions on the first and second rows represent a strong platform for tomorrow's race. Strong starts, such as the team has already produced this year, combined with the consistent pace of the R26, should see both drivers fighting for the win with Jenson Button and the two McLarens.
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Giancarlo Fisichella commented on his front row qualifying result: "I am very pleased to be second for the race tomorrow, considering I made some small mistakes on my quickest lap. For me, the rain this morning was a bit worrying because I had lost set-up time yesterday, and I didn't get a chance to drive the car in dry conditions before qualifying. But we had made some good changes with the engineers overnight, and the car balance in qualifying was good. My second timed lap was faster than the first because the tyres were taking a long time to warm up, and second is a good grid position. The R26 has very good pace on the long runs, so if we get a good start, then I think we can be very strong tomorrow afternoon."
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Fernando Alonso said: "I am pleased to be third because this is my best qualifying position so far this year. Even so, we still didn't achieve our maximum this afternoon, because I had Heidfeld's BMW in front of me during my quick lap, and he made a mistake in turn 13. That meant I caught him very quickly, and lost about half a second in the last two corners. The car felt very good though, and I am pleased with the consistent handling balance. In race conditions, I am confident we will be extremely competitive."
more news
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- Kevin Magnussen signed up by McLaren
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- Schumacher: Australia a highlight on the calendar
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- Webber hopes to finish ahead of Vettel
- 18 Mar.
- 17 Mar.
- Cosworth pleased with F1 comeback
- GPUpdate TV: Stefano Domenicali interview
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- Bruno Senna column: The season starts in Australia!
- 'I put too much trust in US F1' - López
- Button: McLaren will be stronger in Melbourne
- Horner still hoping for two stops
- Michael confident with Hülkenberg
- 16 Mar.
- Ecclestone ponders return to America
- Lotus eyes Toro Rosso and Sauber
- Fry: Button must catch Hamilton
- Di Resta to drive on Melbourne Friday
- Coulthard slams Mosley's regulation ideas
- Webber shocked by overtaking difficulties
- Teams must not write rules, says Ecclestone
- Vettel: Alonso would not have passed
- Michael pleased to finish after problems
- Renault 'daringly late' with development
- 15 Mar.
- Schumacher 'very, very happy' with result
- First-corner IndyCar collision for Sato
- Bridgestone satisfied with Bahrain tyres
- Teams considering mandatory pit-stops
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- Di Montezemolo 'proud' of Ferrari
- 'Cruel luck' - Horner on Vettel
- Vettel problem confirmed as spark plug
- Mallya delighted to score immediately
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