Brazilian GP: Renault race notes

Happiness and disappointment in equal parts for the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team after the Brazilian Grand Prix. An excellent start for both drivers was followed by an impressive race, during which Jarno Trulli and Jenson Button were able to compete with the fastest teams. Trulli's retirement following a sudden engine failure ten laps from the end left Jenson Button in fourth position, just ahead of Juan-Pablo Montoya, whom he held-off to the flag.

Jarno Trulli, retired, lap 61

"Obviously, I'm gutted. I had a great start, and was lying fourth at the end of the first lap. I kept up a good pace in front of Coulthard, although both McLarens managed to get by during the pit-stops. After Raïkönnen retired, I was comfortable in fourth place when the engine went. What can I say? A positive race; a negative result."

Jenson Button, 4th place

"A big thank-you to the team. It's wonderful to finish in front of one of the Williams! The car was a little tricky during the first stint, so we took off some front wing during my stop, and put on old tyres. After that the set-up was perfect, and the changes meant I could hold Montoya off at the end."

Flavio Briatore, Managing Director, Mild Seven Renault F1 Team

"I'm very pleased with the result. Naturally, I'm sorry for Jarno, who drove an impressive race. But we know the team is still young - these things happen. Having said that, Jenson drove fabulously. It's a good day for the whole team."

Denis Chevrier, Operations Manager, Mild Seven Renault F1 Team

"We have a number of reasons to be pleased after this race - most particularly, the fact that we were able to compete with the quickest teams, confirming our speed in qualifying under race conditions. We're now in a position to take advantage of any problems they might suffer. Until Jarno's retirement, the race had been trouble-free. He experienced a sudden engine failure. It's still too early to say exactly what happened."

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