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First and fourth positions for the Renault F1 Team in qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix. Jarno Trulli took the first pole position of his career, while Fernando Alonso qualified on the second row. Fernando will start third tomorrow, as Ralf Schumacher - currently second - will lose ten places because of his engine change on Thursday.
"It's wonderful to get my first pole here at Monaco: it's the right place to do it from a strategy point of view, and a fantastic reward for the whole team," said an elated Trulli. "My lap was fantastic: I wasn't particularly quick in the first sector, but the next two were nearly perfect. The car is very competitive in race set-up, very consistent, and we know that we are on the right strategy. I am felling very optimistic for tomorrow."
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Fernando Alonso added, "Even thought I am fourth today, I know that I will start from third tomorrow, and that good grid position is crucial here. I think I can run a very strong race - the car is easy to drive here, and very constant on the long runs. I am very happy with the work we have done today and tomorrow, hopefully we can have a competitive Grand Prix and score another podium finish."
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering commented, "Congratulations to the whole team and particularly to Jarno, for a well-deserved pole position. It's even more pleasing because this is backed up by Fernando's second row start. We were pleased with the progress we had made in testing last week and while Monaco is a unique circuit, we certainly hope this is the start of our being able to take the fight to Ferrari. In terms of the race, we have not compromised our strategy in order to take pole, so we are looking forward to a competitive race."
Denis Chevrier, Engine Operations Manager concluded, "It is absolutely critical to start from the front at Monaco, and to have our two cars in first and third tomorrow is the perfect answer to this challenge. Qualifying confirmed our strong performance this morning, and both drivers put in fantastic laps. On the operational side, we completed our programmes this morning without any major incidents; our performance this afternoon is really the icing on the cake. Tomorrow, reliability and strategy will be crucial factors. We are confident that our strategy is correct, and so far this season our race reliability has been exemplary."
