Formula One news

Renault drivers not worried yet

The Renault F1 Team qualified fifth and sixth for tomorrow's Japanese Grand Prix this afternoon in Suzuka, with World Champion Fernando Alonso ahead of his team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella.

However, the two Renaults will line up behind both Ferraris - their direct championship rivals - and the Toyota team on row two. While this position translates a substantial deficit in first lap performance, the team hopes that the consistency of the Michelin tyres will pay in tomorrow's race, and allow them to fight on equal terms as race strategies play out.

Fernando Alonso commented: "In the context of the characteristics we have seen today, this result is OK I think. We more or less knew that qualifying would be difficult for us after this morning's practice session, because we didn't have enough pace on one lap. We have done the maximum though, and I am the leading Michelin car - with Fisi right alongside me. The car feels good to drive round here, so now we have to believe in the Michelin tyres and their consistency in the race. Of course, the position is not ideal for the championship fight - but we have seen big turnarounds already this season. There is nothing to say it cannot happen again tomorrow."

Giancarlo Fisichella commented: "We did all we could this afternoon in qualifying, we just needed more pace on one lap. The grip levels were not fantastic, which meant that the balance was a bit inconsistent - some high-speed understeer and nervousness in slow corners. But as the grip improves, that will calm down, and we know that the R26 will be consistent for the whole race distance. The main thing is that in spite of a difficult day, we are not giving up. Fernando and I will be pushing really hard tomorrow."

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