Japanese GP Benetton race notes

Giancarlo Fisichella - DNF
This weekend began well and things looked very promising. I made a strong start and was lying fifth. Unfortunately I spun after three laps and that cost me several places, although I managed to recover most of them. Right at the end I lost the use of fourth gear and came into the pits to retire. It's a shame to end my last race with the Benetton Renault team that way. I have had a very good time with Benetton and will always have good memories. I would like to say thanks to the whole team for their support throughout my four years here.

Jenson Button - 7th
Our target for this race was to make sure we kept seventh place in the championship for constructors, which we managed to do. Only this year's top three teams managed to beat us today, which was satisfying, although the afternoon was hard work. This circuit is really tough, but itTs fun to drive. I did not have any problems and my two pits stop went well. It would have been good to have scored some points, but I promise to do that when we come back here next year.

Pat Symonds
Today's result is not an ideal end to the Benetton era. Over the years Benetton has been a source of pleasure and inspiration for many, but now we should look to the future. Despite toda's result, the progress made by the team during its transition to Renault has been clearly demonstrated over the last few months. We must now work hard through the winter to capitalise on this as we look to start winning races again next season. Jenson drove a steady race today and used a conservative strategy designed to consolidate our championship position. He did all that was asked of him. We must also say a special thank you to Giancarlo for his efforts over the years and particularly in this difficult season. We wish him well at Jordan and regret that a failure of fourth gear on his car robbed him of a competitive finish today.

Flavio Briatore
The team did a very good job in the race today and I think we have a strong platform on which to build for 2002. We are satisfied with this result and Renault has made good progress since coming back to Formula One. We had a tough start to the season but that is now behind us. I would like to thank Giancarlo for the work he has done with us and also to Benetton, in whose colours we were racing for the last time today.

-Benetton-