Report: Two more points for Renault, somewhat disappointed

Renault has mixed feelings after the Monaco Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso scores two points for the 7th position, while Nelson Piquet was involved in a collision early in the race.

In the Constructors’ Championship, Ferrari moves ahead, leaving the French team in 6th place, but the 3rd place is in sight. Indeed, improvements are expected to follow race after race. The first updates are scheduled in two weeks for the Turkish Grand Prix.

Fernando Alonso – 7th:

The race was difficult and very competitive from the start. The car was well balanced and its performance improved throughout the race. Our strategy was the right one, but the starting position is crucial in Monaco. I started 9th, we gained two places and scored two points, so the result is satisfactory. My motivation and that of the team remain intact. Many technical innovations are planned for the upcoming races, and the second half of the season should favor us.

Nelson Piquet – Retirement:

« I am really disappointed to have been taken off the track. I had a decent start and was in good shape because my first stint was very long and all the cars in front of me were very close. Unfortunately, I felt someone hit me on the straight. It was Sébastien Buemi, and it damaged the back of my car. I had to retire. It’s really frustrating because I would have been able to get into the points today. »

Flavio Briatore – General Manager:

« Today’s result is very disappointing for us. We were not helped by the circumstances. Nelson [Piquet]’s race was destroyed by an accident for which he was not at fault. Fernando [Alonso]’s race was spoiled by traffic, which did not play in his favor. That said, we know that Monaco is an atypical race and knowing that the car’s performance improved throughout the 78 laps, showing it to be as fast as our rivals, is a consolation. We are working harder than ever to make changes to the car in Turkey. We have shown that we can react quickly and hope that the rest of the season will allow us to score many points. »

Pat Symonds – Executive Director of Engineering:

« We had a long and difficult afternoon, but Fernando attacked from the first to the last lap to cross the line in 7th place and the two points that come with it. We had higher ambitions for this race. The car’s pace improved throughout the 78 laps. Nelson was very unlucky; he had a good start and his strategy was promising when he was taken off the track by another competitor. It’s a real shame for him, but he will be able to bounce back in Turkey. »

Remi Taffin – Track Coordinator Renault F1 Team:

« Despite a seventh position, we are a bit disappointed. We indeed think that we could have done better. Our strategy couldn’t unfold as we wanted, and we were blocked by slower cars. With Fernando, when the track was clear, the performance was there. Nelson, for his part, could have been in the mix if his race hadn’t ended prematurely. We score two points, however, and hope to do better in Turkey. »

According to a statement from the Renault F1 Team