San Marino GP: Renault Saturday notes

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team achieved a satisfying result in qualifying for tomorrow's San Marino Grand Prix in Imola. Following a busy morning, which involved setting up the car for dry conditions on a damp circuit, the team claimed 8th and 9th positions on the grid. Although both drivers failed to improve their positions during the final run, the times are nevertheless over four seconds faster than at last year's race.

Jarno Trulli, 8th position

"A trouble-free session for me from a technical point of view, but I had traffic on each of my quick laps. During the last run, I was three or four tenths up when Panis spun in front of me. It would have been better to get in front of the other Sauber, even one of the McLarens, but I'm confident that we've got a good car for tomorrow."

Jenson Button, 9th position

"I'm pretty happy with how the session went. It was a bit tricky today with the weather, but we worked well, even if we're still a fair way from the leaders. I made a mistake at Rivazza on my last run, which cost me a couple of tenths. It's a shame, but it's looking good for the race."

Mike Gascoyne, Technical Director, Mild Seven Renault F1 Team

"An exciting qualifying session. Jarno and Jenson improved their times as the track got faster, and without Panis' spin, they could have gone even faster. Overall, a reasonable qualifying session, which will mean that we can race for points tomorrow."

Denis Chevrier, Head of Race Engineering (Engine), Mild Seven Renault F1 Team

"Two days' work in one! This morning, the team had to choose our dry tyre compound as well as collecting information for qualifying and the race. We didn't have any problems whatsoever during qualifying with the engine, which is a reason to be pleased given the difference in weather conditions from the first races of the season. Once again, we have confirmed our position as challengers just behind the three top teams."

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