Austrian GP: Renault Saturday notes

An extremely disappointing qualifying session for the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team at the Austrian Grand Prix. The session was interrupted by a red flag, brought out when the engine failed on Jarno Trulli's race car. Trulli subsequently took the spare car (chassis R202-02, set up for Jenson Button) for the second consecutive qualifying session, and only managed 16th place. Jenson Button finished 13th, unable to improve his first time after traffic disrupted his subsequent runs.

Jarno Trulli, 16th position

"First of all, I want to apologise for the red flag. The engine let go suddenly, and there was really nothing I could do to control the car. I then jumped into the spare, which was set up for Jenson, and even though the team managed to change almost everything, I still struggled a little with brakes I'm not used to. I did the best I could in the circumstances, and I particularly want to thank the team for doing a great job."

Jenson Button, 13th position

"It was all about traffic! I lost my first run because of the red flag, but gradually improved the car during the hour. At the end, I just went out at the wrong time - the car felt good, but there was traffic in front of me and behind, and I lost a lot of time at the start and the end of the lap. There was nothing I could do - I was unlucky today."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering, Mild Seven Renault F1 Team

"We are extremely disappointed after a session during which we found neither the necessary balance nor speed on both cars. Our work was not helped by Jarno's engine failure, which forced him into the T-car. We now have a lot of work to do if we are to score points tomorrow."

Denis Chevrier, Head of Race Engineering (Engine), Mild Seven Renault F1 Team

"Quite simply, everything happened which shouldn't during qualifying! Having spent time honing the car for the session, this kind of engine problem for Jarno leaves us unable to challenge our competitors, as we should be capable of doing. It also gives us reason to be disappointed and worried. Jenson also had a difficult afternoon, during a session in which we were unable to fight with our usual rivals. Tomorrow, we will have to use the most powerful race configuration possible, whilst taking account of the potential for technical and sporting incidents at this circuit."

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