Formula One news

Pat Symonds backs Fisichella

A Renault boss has defended Giancarlo Fisichella amid criticism of the Roman's last lap loss of the Japanese grand prix. Engineering director Pat Symonds reckons the 32-year-old 'pushed all the way' to the chequer, despite losing the lead to Kimi Raikkonen at turn one of the final of 53 laps.

Symonds admitted: "It was difficult to see Giancarlo lose the lead, but he had been putting a lot of energy through his tyres from the start."

In contrast, Pat added, teammate Fernando Alonso and McLaren's Raikkonen were often able to look after their tyres. "Giancarlo never had that luxury," the Briton insisted.

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