Austrian GP: Renault Saturday qualifying notes

Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso qualified sixth and nineteenth for the Austrian Grand Prix

Jarno Trulli:

"I am very happy with my sixth place, considering that it was a tough qualifying for everybody, on a very dirty track. This morning's hard work on the set up paid off as I felt that the car balance was perfect in qualifying. I feel good and ready to attack in tomorrow's race and my objective is definitely to bring home some points for the team."

Fernando Alonso:

"This morning I felt the car more competitive than yesterday, thanks to some changes the team did last night. In qualifying my lap started very well but I made a mistake that took me off the track and put me at the back of the grid. In spite of this, I feel confident I can make my way up in tomorrow's race and, who knows -- even score some points."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:

"A good clean lap from Jarno. Considering our race strategy, we are extremely pleased with his sixth place on the grid. Unfortunately for Fernando, the penalty you pay for one mistake under the one-lap-qualifying rule is very high and it will be very hard for him to score points, starting so far back. Nevertheless we will try our best, knowing that anything can happen on this tough circuit."

Denis Chevrier, Engine Operations Manager:

"Mixed feelings today, as we have a big gap on the starting grid between our two drivers. Jarno did an excellent lap, pushing the car to the limit. Fernando started equally well but made a mistake, which cost him a position which would have been very close to Jarno's. Engine-wise, today we found again a good level of performance, which is very encouraging for the race."

Jarno Trulli
Chassis: R23-03
6th 1:09.890

Fernando Alonso
Chassis: R23-04
19th 1:20.113

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