Formula One news

'We weren't quick enough' - Briatore

Renault wasn't quick enough in Shanghai, the team's Flavio Briatore has flatly admitted. In the battle for second in the constructors' championship, the Enstone-based squad dropped to a nine point deficit to BAR because Renault only managed a fourth-placed best with Fernando Alonso. "It was not a difficult race to analyse," said managing director Briatore. "We weren't quick enough. We are disappointed but the drivers did a great job."

Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve, eleventh, was criticised in the media for a 'low key' return to racing, but Flavio said the Canadian 'succeeded' with a 'difficult challenge. "We said the championship fight will go down to the wire and that will certainly be the case," the flamboyant Italian concluded.

Renault's car didn't seem to suit the Shanghai track, and director of engineering Pat Symonds is now faced with the task of discovering why. "To be honest, I don't know," the Briton answered when asked why the R24 struggled all weekend.

more news

• 20 Nov.
  • Photos: Rossi tests Ferrari F2008
  • Rossi doing well at Mugello in F2008
  • Brawn praises Senna and Di Grassi
  • Vettel happy with early test form
  • Senna happy wih test performance
  • Sato unable to rate his chances
• 19 Nov.
  • Piquet wraps up Renault test
  • Vettel finishes test on top
  • 'STR's driver decision is purely a financial issue'
  • Senna enjoys warm welcome in paddock
  • Di Grassi enjoyed Honda opportunity
  • Photos: Wednesday in Barcelona
• 18 Nov.
  • Renault pushes on with test
  • Vettel fastest on day 2
  • Ecclestone to replace points for medals?
  • 'This is the worst looking F1 car ever!'
  • Hamilton joins side event Race of Champions
  • De la Rosa joins Force India in Barcelona
  • Photos: Tuesday in Barcelona
  • Wurz enjoying return of slicks
  • Renault happy with first day back
• 17 Nov.
  • Senna's dream comes true with first day at Honda
  • Loeb impressed with Barcelona test
  • Sato fastest on first day in Barcelona
  • Force India sees 2009 chassis delayed
  • Canadian Grand Prix officially axed
  • The 2009 season gets under way in Barcelona
  • Photos: Monday in Barcelona
• 16 Nov.
  • Schumacher gets Superbikes offer
  • Rampf hoped for more in second half of season
• 15 Nov.
  • Loeb happy with Silverstone shakedown
  • Williams extends key sponsor deal
• 14 Nov.
  • Van der Garde sitting tight at Renault
  • Raikkonen admits motivation problems
  • Shanghai could axe Chinese Grand Prix
• 13 Nov.
  • Kennard enjoys first F1 experience
  • 2008 my toughest season - Kubica
  • Glock aiming to keep up second half of season form
• 12 Nov.
  • Van der Garde to test Renault F1
  • Montezemolo critical of KERS

Homepage