Monaco GP: Renault race notes

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team lies fourth in the world championship following the seventh round in Monaco, Jarno Trulli having scored his first points of the season with a fourth place finish. An excellent start from seventh on the grid saw him gain two positions, with Juan-Pablo Montoya's retirement lifting him to fourth. Jenson Button experienced a dramatic race, in which he jumped the start and was subsequently penalised, before his retirement after colliding with Olivier Panis.

Jarno Trulli, 4th position

"It's good to score my first points, both for myself and the team. A perfectly managed strategy allowed me to claim fourth today. I made a great start, but it became difficult to keep up with the leaders as the tyres got more and more worn. After my stop, I was able to push again on a new set, but then Heidfeld blocked me for about twenty laps, even though he was a lap down. There were no blue flags at all, and when I finally managed to get past, I was struggling with worn tyres. So, it's a good result, but I think that once we've analysed the race, we'll view it as a missed podium because of the time I lost behind the Sauber."

Jenson Button, retired following accident

"I think I just got a little excited at the start! Once you lift off the throttle, the launch control doesn't work any more, so I had to wait for everybody to go by before I could get going. After that, I was a bit surprised to be penalised as well, but once I got into clear air the car was working well. Then again, being quick is one thing, but overtaking at Monaco is another! As for the accident, I could see Panis was struggling with his rear tyres, so I tried to pass him at Sainte-Dévote. He didn't see me, and just took his normal line. It's a shame, because the weekend had promised a lot more."

Flavio Briatore, Managing Director, Mild Seven Renault F1 Team

"I'm pleased for everybody. Jarno scored his first points after an excellent start and a mistake-free race. Fourth at Monaco is a very good result, for the driver and the team."

Mike Gascoyne, Technical Director, Mild Seven Renault F1 Team

"Jarno drove a fine race, especially given the difficulties he had with the tyres. It was frustrating to be held up by Heidfeld, but we are nevertheless pleased to see him score his first points. As for Jenson, it was a little more disappointing. After the jump-start and the consequent penalty, he was making up places when he crashed."

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