Hungarian GP: Renault Saturday qualifying notes

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team scored its second pole position of the season this afternoon at the Hungaroring. Both drivers started towards the end of the second qualifying session for tomorrow's Hungarian Grand Prix, and confirmed the promise of yesterday's results. Having qualified sixth yesterday, Fernando Alonso produced a magnificent lap to claim the second pole position of his career. Jarno Trulli, suffering from a lack of overall grip, will start tomorrow's race from sixth.

Fernando Alonso, 1st position, 1:21.668

"It is a great feeling to get my second pole position. Our car has been competitive since the start of the weekend, and I don't see any reason why that should change tomorrow. I had some problems yesterday, but the mechanics worked hard to sort things out: I want to thank them, as well as my engineers. As for the flying lap, I didn't have any problems, but I was driving right on the limit towards the end of the lap. I think we are on the right strategy for tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to the race!"

Jarno Trulli, 6th position, 1:22.610

"Sixth position is disappointing after yesterday's result. I made some mistakes on the flying lap, which must have cost me three or four tenths, and the car also lacked grip. Nevertheless, sixth isn't a bad grid slot, and I think I can fight for a podium tomorrow."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:

"A great lap from Fernando to take a well-deserved pole position. Unfortunately, Jarno seemed to get oversteer in the second half of his lap, which compromised his time. It's a great shame, because the two drivers have been running at a similar speed all weekend. Not only does this put him down the grid, it also forces him to start from the dirty side of the circuit. In spite of the changes to the circuit this year, we still expect it to be difficult to pass, and therefore pole position is all the more valuable."

Denis Chevrier, Engine Operations Manager:

"Firstly, it is pleasing to confirm the promise we demonstrated yesterday: we are competitive with the very top teams at this circuit. However, the gap between our pilots demonstrates that the balance between getting the right set-up and the correct rhythm is extremely delicate. Tomorrow, we will have to maintain our pace for seventy laps on a demanding circuit for both cars and drivers. The new engine spec also met our expectations, and it is a bonus to christen a new development by taking pole position."

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