US GP: Renault driver preview

After scoring a double points finish for the first time this year at the Italian Grand Prix, Mild Seven Renault F1 Team drivers Jarno Trulli and Jenson Button head to the final two fly-away races determined to end the season on a high, looking to score points in the interests of both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships.

"Monza was a very nice surprise for all of us," admits Trulli. "We knew our package would be good, but there were some question marks as to whether it would last a race distance. I think we managed to finish because the engineers did such a good job working to solve our problems from the week before. It was a great result and a big boost for everybody."

Team-mate Button, who followed Trulli home in Italy, agrees: "It was a bit of a surprise wasn't it? We weren't really the quickest cars in Monza, but we made the right decisions on strategy and drove a good race."

Both drivers will be making their third visit to the world-famous Brickyard and each appreciates the special atmosphere the spectacle of Indianapolis brings:

"It's a fun event," says Button. "We don't get to go to the USA that often and it's pretty cool. I enjoy the whole weekend and the crowd means that the atmosphere is always special."

"I think it's great that we go to Indy," adds Trulli. "Even when I was young, I knew it was a great race and a great event. I enjoy being part of the myth of Indianapolis. The history of the track counts for lot and it's always good to see some different supporters!"

As for the circuit itself, the Italian knows which factors will be the keys to a strong performance, but will be looking to hone the car in order to find exactly the right compromise for qualifying and race:

"Obviously, you need very good top speed for the long straight and then good grip in the low-speed corners. These are definitely the two main things I will be looking for to go quickly, but they can make getting the exact set-up is a bit of a calculated gamble."

As for Button, he relishes the unique banked section of the unusual hybrid circuit. "The high-speed section isn't really a challenge but it's fun - we don't often get to run on a banked circuit. As for the infield, it's nothing special: I just need to drive it as quick as I can!"

This weekend, that speed will be focused on retaining his seventh place in the Drivers' Championship in order to score the best Championship finish of his career: "That's obviously important and I don't think it should be a problem. It would be great for me personally and is what I am aiming for."

Equally, Trulli approaches the final races of the season adamant that he will continue performing at the level of the past two races:

"We obviously have high expectations and want to end the season strongly. We need to wait and see how the car will react - we can't tell that until we get to the track - but I am very motivated and just as determined as ever to score more points for the Team."

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