Formula One news

Renault drivers fail to finish

It was a disappointing Sunday afternoon for the ING Renault F1 Team as Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet both retired from an eventful Canadian Grand Prix.

Fernando and Nelson lined up in 4th and 15th places respectively on the grid and the team was hopeful of fighting for a strong points finish, although the team knew that the poor track conditions would make for an especially tricky afternoon. An early safety car period on lap 16 reshuffled the pack and both Fernando and Nelson headed for the pits. But as the race resumed Nelson encountered brake trouble, which led to his retirement soon after half distance.

Alonso continued to race competitively at the front of the field and remained in the hunt for a podium until contact with the wall brought a premature end to what had been a promising afternoon.

Fernando Alonso commented on his race: "It's truly a missed opportunity today. I am extremely disappointed, as is the team, but our strategy was not the best suited for today. We now have to work hard to be in the position to challenge for big points."

Nelson Piquet was also extremely disappointed not to have finished the race. He said: "It's a disappointing end to my weekend, but I still take some positives from the race as the car was good today and our strategy looked really promising. The race was pretty hectic in the early laps, but unfortunately we had a brake problem and so I had to retire the car. It's a shame as we could have challenged for the points today. Now we need to focus on the next race in France."

more news

• 08 Nov.
  • Hamilton learned a lot in 2009
• 07 Nov.
  • Alonso enjoys first Ferrari factory visit
  • Brawn looking forward to Senna debut
• 06 Nov.
  • Follow GPUpdate.net on Twitter!
  • Wind tunnel operator sues Force India
  • Toyota-assisted Kobayashi eyeing Lotus seat
  • Sutil: Abu Dhabi 'a shame' for Force India
  • Lee McKenzie's End of Season Review 2009
  • Lotus wanting experienced drivers
  • Anthony Hamilton: Räikkönen the best option for McLaren
• 05 Nov.
  • Renault decision to come in December
  • GPUpdate TV: Vettel receives sports car prize
  • Ecclestone: 2 days for Silverstone to sign
  • Etihad and Aldar to pay damages to Force India
  • 'F1 organisers to blame for lost teams' - Ferrari
  • Hülkenberg to test Williams next month
• 04 Nov.
  • FIA warns again: Credit crunch will win
  • Renault holds emergency meeting about F1 future
  • FOTA thanks Toyota's Howett
  • Ekström beats Schumacher for Race of Champions
  • Hülkenberg targeting Barrichello pace
  • Photos: Race of Champions 2009
  • Pirelli not interested in F1
  • Vettel and Schumacher win ROC Nations Cup
  • Toyota highlights reasons for F1 exit
  • Official: Toyota leaves Formula One
  • An interview with Kamui Koabayshi
• 03 Nov.
  • 'Toyota set to end Formula 1 project'
  • Red Bull to announce engine partner 'very shortly'
  • Schumacher: Comeback was for Felipe
  • Trulli on lookout for clear racing rules
  • Räikkönen too expensive, says Brawn
  • Horner aware of 2010 challengers
  • Michael: Hülkenberg following Hamilton-like path
• 02 Nov.
  • Brawn thanks Barrichello for contribution
  • Kubica to drive in French rally
  • 2010: The grid so far
  • Alonso won't drive Ferrari until February
  • Williams confirms Barrichello and Hülkenberg for 2010
  • Optimism at Renault for next year

Homepage