06 March: Australian Grand Prix - Race Report - Renault F1
One
driver on the top step of the podium, another third, and an extremely promising performance for the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team this
afternoon at the Australian Grand Prix.
Starting from pole position, Giancarlo Fisichella put in a faultless drive, and only
relinquished the lead during the pit-stop cycle, when he stopped on laps 25 and 42. Throughout the race, he was able to manage the
gap to his nearest competitors.
Fernando Alonso started thirteenth on the grid, owing to the wet conditions in yesterday’s
qualifying session. Nevertheless, he drove an aggressive race from start to finish: the performance of his R25 and its Michelin
tyres allowed him to climb through the field, thanks to both his pit-stop strategy and several on-track overtaking manoeuvres. He
finished third, on the heels of Rubens Barrichello.
Giancarlo Fisichella, Winner “This was a fantastic weekend,
and a great way to mark my debut with Renault! The R25 performed well throughout the whole race, and was consistent and easy to
drive. That meant I could manage the gap to the cars behind, and look after the tyres, without being troubled. I think this race
demonstrates the good potential of the team this season: the team is pushing hard on the development of the car, and that should
mean we can build on this start later in the season. We are already very optimistic for the next race in Malaysia.”
Fernando
Alonso, 3rd position “I didn’t think I could finish on the podium today, but it was a great feeling to be up there! I was
lucky during the race to have some laps without traffic at the end of each stint, which meant I could push really hard to gain
positions. We are pleased to have a car like the R25, because as today showed, it is quick enough on the straights and in the
corners to overtake some of our rivals on track. Thank-you to Michelin as well: during this race, I had to attack for every one of
the 57 laps, and the tyres didn’t drop off in performance at all. The only thing I would have changed this weekend was the weather
yesterday afternoon!”
Flavio Briatore, Managing Director “It’s a fantastic result for the entire team and the
Renault group. We have made a good car this year, and Fisico and Fernando knew exactly how to make use of it this afternoon: they
both drove fantastic races. We must take the season race by race, and I think there is still room for us to improve further.”
Pat
Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering “This afternoon’s results are a tribute to the work of the entire team, here
at the circuit and back at our bases in England and France. Fisico marked his return to the team in the best possible way with a
victory, and I honestly thought Fernando would struggle to score points this afternoon: it’s an amazing achievement to be on the
podium. I said before the race that the new rules would force the drivers to demonstrate new skills, and it was pleasing to see both
of them demonstrate a deep understanding of their requirements so quickly. We must also thank Michelin: we couldn’t have asked for
better tyres for today’s race.”
