Renault drivers ready for Austria

In spite of the disappointment of the Spanish Grand Prix, where both drivers came away empty-handed after a competitive weekend, Mild Seven Renault F1 Team drivers Jarno Trulli and Jenson Button are upbeat as they head for the Austrian hills this weekend at the A1-Ring.

"It was important for me to prove a good race pace in Barcelona," said Trulli. "Obviously, it's disappointing to still not have scored any points, but the last race showed how well we are working as a team, sorting out a bad start to the weekend very quickly when I swapped into the spare car.

"We have a very good package, and as soon as we have all the pieces in place, the results will come and we will have a strong season."

Team-mate Jenson Button echoes this optimism, in spite of seeing his run of points finishes broken by retirement at Barcelona.

"The last result doesn't affect my preparation at all. Every time I have finished this year, I've scored points, and we know that if the car stays reliable, we will put in a strong performance."

Having dominated the early part of the race in 1997, Jarno Trulli has good memories of the Austrian track. However, he is focusing solely on the upcoming race.

"Whatever I've done before is in the past - I'm looking to do my best this season, for myself and the team. I know the circuit well, and have proved I can be quick here. I'm sure we can be competitive."

Although he scored two points in his first Austrian Grand Prix in 2000, Jenson Button is looking forward to attacking the circuit in a car better suited to its demands.

"I've never qualified brilliantly here, and I'm looking forward to driving the track in this year's car. I like the circuit, particularly the swooping left handers at turns 5 and 6, and the quick chicane at the exit of six, which is very good fun."

The layout of the circuit makes overtaking a distinct possibility, and the prospect holds no fear for Button.

"Austria is a track where we can really race, and it's likely that we'll see some overtaking. I think we've got the car to make progress through the field if necessary."

In the run-up to Austria, Jarno Trulli has been testing in Valencia, evaluating compounds for the weekend as well as conducting set-up work, traction control development and assessing other chassis and engine modifications.

The hard work is aimed at consolidating the team's fourth position in the Constructors' Championship. "I think we can expect to see the same level of competitiveness," concluded Button. "The McLarens and Saubers will be our main competition."

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