Malaysian GP: Renault race notes

17-MAR-2002 - Malaysian Grand Prix - Race

Circuit Sepang, Malaysia Weather Hot and sunny

Jarno Trulli, retired, 9 laps:

"I had a good start, and gained a lot of positions during the first lap, including overtaking Fisichella under braking. I was following Jenson when the engine lost power and started overheating at the end of lap one. The problem kept on getting worse, so I brought the car into the pits as the race was over for me."

Jenson Button, 4th position:

"An excellent race for me, in spite of the problem at the end. I drove very consistently, pushing hard all the way through, although the Williams and Ferraris were clearly quicker than us. After Montoya's second stop, I decided it was safer to let him past as his straightline speed was much better and Michael was a long way behind. After that, everything was looking good until I felt a problem with the suspension two laps from the end, and the car began running on three wheels. Obviously, I'm disappointed for myself and the team not to get our first podium, but it's still a good result."

Flavio Briatore, Managing Director, Renault F1 Team UK:

"Jenson's performance is a good result for everybody involved: for the team, for the driver, and for Renault. Too bad we didn't manage to get Jarno's car to the finish as well"

Denis Chevrier, Operations Manager, Renault F1 Team France:

"In terms of engine performance, Jenson had a completely normal race, without any problems at all. Jarno was forced to stop by overheating and a loss of engine power which meant that he was unable to defend his position, so we brought him into the pits before any more damage was done. In spite of the disappointment of Jenson's problem in the last laps, we performed at the level we were expecting under full race conditions, confirming the speed we have shown so far."

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