Monaco GP: Renault Thursday practice notes

Jarno Trulli fourth and Fernando Alonso ninth after the first day of free practice at Monaco.

A productive first day of practice for the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team at the Monaco Grand Prix, with Jarno Trulli finishing the day in 4th and Fernando Alonso 9th. As ever in Monaco, the day's challenge was to track evolving circuit conditions and re-acclimatise to the unique challenge of the Principality. While both drivers still have work to do to fine-tune the car, the baseline established today proved positive.

Jarno Trulli:

"I had a normal Friday, working to set up the car and complete our programme. We accomplished a lot, and improved the handling, although there is still work to do in this area. We know the car is quick here, and now have to find a set-up we are completely happy with. I am glad to have come through the day without any problems, and feel optimistic for the rest of the weekend."

Fernando Alonso:

"Our priority today was choosing the tyres, and we did this without any problems. The car balance is OK at the moment - we don't have any big problems, just some areas to carry on tuning. I am happy with our speed at the moment, and am looking forward to Saturday."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:

"It is always nice to complete the first day at Monaco without any damage, but the nature of this circuit means that, as usual, we are left with more questions than answers this evening. Having said that, on a circuit not conducive to finding a good balance, the drivers were reasonably happy today. Our times look competitive, and the tyre choice to be made is clear."

Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Operations:

"A trouble-free first day, during which we had the dual objectives of completing sizeable programmes and coming through the first two sessions without incident. We achieved both of these, and have done enough to work to collect the data we wanted while making a competitive start to the weekend. The constantly evolving track conditions make ultimate lap times difficult to judge, but there is no reason to think we will not be among the front runners once more this weekend."

Jarno Trulli
Chassis: R24-03
Practice session 1: 1:17.856, 8th
Practice session 2: 1:15.472, 4th

Fernando Alonso
Chassis: R24-06
Practice session 1: 1:17.686, 6th
Practice session 2: 1:15.701, 9th

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