French GP: Renault Friday qualifying notes

An extraordinary first qualifying session at the French Grand Prix saw changeable weather conditions practically inverse the typical order. Running early in the session on a wet track, Renault F1 Team drivers Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso finished 16th and 19th respectively, as the circuit dried and following drivers took advantage of improving conditions.

Jarno Trulli, 16th, 1:29.024

"A strange qualifying session today. I made some mistakes on my flying lap, which cost me some time, but they were linked to the prevailing conditions at that time, as well as the tyre choice. In spite of my position at the end of the session, I think we have worked well today."

Fernando Alonso, 19th, 1:29.455

"The timed lap was OK. In changing conditions, you always make some small mistakes, and today was no exception in the first and last sectors. Having said that, we ran on a dry track this morning, and that will be an advantage later in the weekend; we also did a good amount of running in the wet. I think we are pretty strong for the rest of the weekend."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:

"It is frustrating that, under the new regulations, the weather alone dictates the positions, as we saw today, but it is no more than frustrating, as it is the same for everybody, and we all accepted and understood the rules at the start of the year. Obviously, it puts the big teams at a disadvantage, but this will not be great, as we expect dry conditions tomorrow. At that point, our Heathrow running will once again prove an unquestionable benefit."

Denis Chevrier, Engine Operations Manager:

"This is a perfect example of the random nature of the new regulations, where the main factor is the weather. The worse a team's position in the championship, the better their chances of qualifying well in these conditions. As for making any judgements, quite honestly it would be a waste of time to try, given the wide range of set-ups different cars will have used according to the conditions. All we can do is concentrate on what we have learned today, and what remains to be discovered."

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