European GP: Renault Friday practice notes

Jarno fifth and Fernando eighth as the drivers struggle for grip in Germany.

A trouble-free opening day for the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team to begin the European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. In cooler conditions than those encountered at recent races, both drivers struggled for grip on the circuit. Nevertheless, Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso finished fifth and eighth in a very tightly-packed field. The top eleven cars were separated by less than a second.

Jarno Trulli, 5th

"A standard opening day: our running was designed to help us choose tyres and begin the car set-up programme. The car was lacking some grip today in these conditions, and we hope to see the circuit evolve some more by tomorrow. However, we still seem quite competitive."

Fernando Alonso, 8th

"As usual, the Friday programme was focused on assessing the tyres available to us. Beyond that, we began fine-tuning some set-ups but the main part of that work will be done tomorrow. The circuit should improve during the weekend, and we hope to pick up grip as it does."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:

"A traditional Friday programme for us today, but the circuit seems to be changing more between the sessions than it did last year. The level of grip is quite low, and this has a subsequent detrimental effect on the balance. However, this is nothing out of the ordinary."

Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Operations:

"The day ended with a very tightly-grouped pack at the head of the field. The number of off-track excursions we saw today indicates the drivers are finding it difficult to adapt to the changing circuit, and the small gaps mean we have a very close battle in prospect. Tomorrow, a good qualifying position will hang on very little: a good flying lap, and tuning the car and engine correctly. We will be working on that beginning this evening."

Jarno Trulli
Chassis: R24-03
Free practice 1: 1:32.696, 15 laps
Free practice 2: 1:29.919, 23 laps

Fernando Alonso
Chassis: R24-06
Free practice 1: 1:31.768, 16 laps
Free practice 2: 1:30.163, 22 laps

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