German GP: Renault Friday notes

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team experienced a very disappointing opening day of practice for the German Grand Prix. On the revised Hockenheim circuit, the Team was penalised by low-grip conditions that made it difficult to find the optimum set-up. Following an opening day of learning about the new track, Jenson Button finished 19th while Jarno Trulli, who lost the second session following a spin on his first run of the afternoon, was 20th.

Jenson Button, 19th position

"A difficult day for me. The new circuit is OK, but we had trouble finding the balance we need to go quickly. We can't find any grip at the front or at the rear of the car - as soon as we get it at one end, we lose it at the other, and vice versa. There's lots of work to do before tomorrow."

Jarno Trulli, 20th position

"It's very simple: I made a mistake at Turn 13 on my first run this afternoon, and spun. It's a shame that I managed to find one of the few gravel traps still left here. In terms of the new layout, it's not very exciting, just a question of braking, turning and accelerating. Only the last section is a little bit interesting. It hasn't been a good day for me: we need to work well this evening."

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

"A difficult day for the team, during which we struggled to find grip and a good balance. We were troubled by understeer, and have a lot to do in order to resolve the situation. However, in terms of positives, the tyre choice proved fairly obvious."

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

"A laborious day of learning a new circuit which gave disappointing results. We were a little surprised by the characteristics of the new track, meaning our preparation proved less than perfect, with obvious consequences for today's programme. Our knowledge of the circuit was also limited by Jarno's spin: unlike many other drivers, he was unlucky not to be able to recover the situation. The data we have collected today will allow us to establish our programme for tomorrow, when we should demonstrate a more normal level of performance."

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