Formula One news

Alonso shows encouraging pace

At the Renault F1 team both Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet completed a busy programmes as the team evaluated tyre options and gathered valuable set-up data in preparation for Sunday's race. By the end of the second session Fernando was at the top of the timesheets, while Nelson finished the day in the top ten. Having completed most of its objectives, the team's attention now turns to maximising the final free practice session tomorrow morning to be ready for the all-important qualifying session.

Fernando Alonso commented on his day: "We had a small engine problem at the end of the morning session but my mechanics did a remarkable job to fix the car and we were able to continue our free practice programme this afternoon without any problems. We tried several new elements that we ran in the test last week and everything went well and we completed our programme. Looking ahead to qualifying tomorrow, I think that our level of performance is rather encouraging."

Nelson Piquet said: "The day has gone well. We have been able to do a lot of running and as a result collected lots of data, which I hope will allow us to continue improving after we have been through it this evening. We still need to make some small changes to improve the behaviour of the car, but overall I am satisfied with this first day. It's certainly a good start to the weekend."

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• 07 Sep.
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  • Double points-finish moves Toro Rosso up
  • Renault encouraged by Alonso's fourth
  • Force India happy to get both cars to flag
  • Disappointing day for Williams
  • Pointless day drops Honda to ninth
  • Glock makes point for Toyota
  • Hamilton - Kimi pushed me wide
  • Massa happy with second
  • Hamilton and Raikkonen under investigation
  • Hamilton wins thrilling Belgian Grand Prix
  • Photos: Sunday at Spa-Francorchamps
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  • Dennis hints Hamilton may be light
• 06 Sep.
  • Ferrari plot fight for victory from second
  • Alonso sets Renault up in sixth
  • Heidfeld leads BMW qualifying charge
  • Force India happy with pace
  • Worst qualifying for Toyota
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Dismal day sees both Hondas out in Q1
  • Both Toro Rossos back in top ten
  • Hamilton gushing with confidence on pole
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  • Spa-Francorchamps to rename Stavelot corner
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• 05 Sep.
  • McLaren pleased with first day
  • Raikkonen crash hinders Ferrari preparations
  • Renault lifted by Alonso's pace

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