European GP: Renault Friday notes

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team experienced a positive first day at the European Grand Prix, with Jarno Trulli and Jenson Button lying in seventh and eighth positions following the first two free practice sessions. The day focused on evaluating the different tyre compounds, finding a good race set-up and, following the recent circuit modifications, assessing their impact on overall performance.

Jarno Trulli, 7th position

"Today wasn't too bad for me. We concentrated on set-ups for Sunday and tyre choice, but we still have some work to do in order to balance the car properly. Overall, I'm happy with a productive opening day."

Jenson Button, 8th position

"The car is OK at the moment. We didn't start off with a great set-up, and had to work hard to improve it. There's still a bit to go, especially for one flying lap, but overall, it's a good start to the weekend, except for England's defeat in the World Cup this morning!"

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

"As well as conducting our usual race preparation today, we obviously needed to evaluate the circuit changes. Although it is rather slow, the new part of the circuit seems OK overall, but the bumpy entrance to Turn 1 has posed us a few problems. With the circuit still quite green, tyre choice was difficult today, and we will probably wait until tomorrow to make our final choice. Other than that it was a routine and quite successful day."

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

"A normal Friday's running, without any problems. Naturally, we had to learn about the new part of the circuit and assess its impact, and our day unfolded without any difficulties. Overall, we are positive after the first two sessions even if, as ever, Friday's times don't necessarily indicate the full level of performance of our competitors."

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