30th May 2002
silverstone test.
Jenson Button R202-04 55 laps 282 km, 1:23.276
Jarno Trulli R202-05 29 laps 149 km, 1:23.268
More changeable weather
at Silverstone with heavy showers interspersed with sunshine. Renault F1 test driver
Fernando Alonso was
loaned to Jaguar for today’s test and was quicker than regular driver Pedro de la Rosa. 16
drivers were present today. Jarno and Jenson continued to test for Renault
F1.
On
a damp circuit, the team took advantage of the conditions to conduct wet and
intermediate tyre development programmes for Michelin, whilst also
conducting set-up work aimed at next weekend’s race in Canada, and the forthcoming
British Grand Prix. The
drivers also continued electronic systems
development on both cars.
Technical Director Mike Gascoyne:“Although the weather has meant we haven’t done as much running as we
would have liked this week, we are nevertheless pleased with what we have
achieved. We have established base-line set-ups for Canada and Silverstone, as well as conducting useful
development of electronic systems.”
29th May 2002
silverstone test.
Jenson Button R202-04 , 56 laps,
1:23.207
Jarno Trulli R202-05, 34 laps, 1:23.416
Both drivers conducted basic set-up up work during the morning,
while the afternoon saw them carry out tyre development programmes for Michelin.
Button was sixth fastest with a best time of
1.23.209, while Trulli was seventh with a
quickest lap time of 1.23.414. Fastest was Barrichello for Ferrari with
1:22.071.
Technical director Mike Gascoyne:
"We had a useful day at Silverstone. Jarno and Jenson were both happy
with the progress they made during the morning, whereas our tyre work during
the afternoon was focused on the forthcoming races this season."
28th May 2002
silverstone test.
Jarno Trulli, 36 laps, 1:36.980
Jarno began a three day test for Renault F1 today at the Silverstone circuit. After a difficult day
weather-wise, Jarno finished 10th
quickest, but ahead of Ralf Schumacher and Montoya in the Williams. Fastest was Fisichella’s Jordan with 1:31.619.
Renault F1 Technical Director,Mike Gascoyne:
“Unfortunately poor weather conditions hampered testing today. Jarno
worked on evaluating the wet weather tyres together with Michelin. During the
afternoon Jarno then focused on the revised traction control system of his
R202.”
Stop Press!!! Jarno Trulli’s 4th place in the Monaco Grand Prix was confirmed on Tuesday 28th
May. After checking the electronic box from car 14 at the Renault factory, the
FIA were happy that the unit complied with all regulations and confirmed that
the result would stand.
26th May 2002
monaco gp. the race.
Jarno got 3 points!!!!! His first points
finish this year came after he drove a great race in Monaco to finish 4th. At the start
Jarno made up 2 places, passing Barrichello and Raikkonen. Jenson jumped the start and
lost several places when he held back, but he got a drive through penalty
anyway. Tussling with Panis near the
back of the field later, they crashed and both were out. Villeneuve didn’t leave the grid and restarted
from the pitlane, but later retired anyway. DC had made a great start, getting past Montoya and leading for the whole race. Montoya’s engine blew, so M. Schumacher ran in second until the end. A few
crashes: McNish into Ste Devote; Barrichello trying to go over the top of Raikkonen and getting a drive through penalty for it, with Raikkonen having to retire; Sato into the tunnel wall while trying to
let his team mate by, finishing in a spectacular slide; Massa pushing Bernoldi into the gravel trap, after being overtaken by him (drive
through penalty for Massa); Massa going straight on to crash into the
barrier at Sainte Devote when his brakes failed; Button and Panis; Sato into the wall on his own; Yoong also out after a mistake. Top 6: Couthard, M.Schumacher, R. Schumacher, Trulli, Fisichella,
Frentzen.
Chassis R202-01 Jarno Trulli
R202-02 Spare car (Trulli)
R202-00 Jenson Button
The
Renault F1 Team
lies fourth in the world championship following the seventh round in Monaco, Jarno Trulli having scored his
first points of the season with a fourth place finish. An excellent start from
seventh on the grid saw him gain two positions, with Juan-Pablo Montoya’s retirement lifting
him to fourth. Jenson Button experienced a dramatic race, in which he jumped the start and was
subsequently penalised, before his retirement after colliding with Olivier Panis.
Jarno Trulli, 4th position:
“It’s
good to score my first points, both for myself and the team. A perfectly
managed strategy allowed me to claim fourth today. I made a great start, but it
became difficult to keep up with the leaders as the tyres got more and more
worn. After my stop, I was
able
to push again on a new set, but then Heidfeld blocked me for about twenty laps, even though he was a lap down. There
were no blue flags at all, and when I finally managed to get past, I was
struggling with worn tyres. So, it’s a good result, but I think that once we’ve
analysed the race, we’ll view it as a missed podium because of the time I lost
behind the Sauber.”
Jenson Button, retired following accident:
“I
think I just got a little excited at the start! Once you lift off the throttle,
the launch control doesn’t work any more, so I had to wait for everybody to go
by before I could get going. After that, I was a bit surprised to be penalised
as well, but once I got into clear air the car was working well. Then again,
being quick is one thing, but overtaking at Monaco is another! As for the accident, I could
see Panis
was struggling with his rear tyres, so I tried to pass him at Sainte-Dévote. He didn’t see me, and
just took his normal line. It’s a shame, because the weekend had promised a lot
more.”
Flavio Briatore, Managing Director, Renault F1 Team:
“I’m
pleased for everybody. Jarno scored his first points after an excellent start and a mistake-free
race. Fourth at Monaco is
a very good result, for the driver and the team.”
Mike Gascoyne, Technical Director, Renault F1 Team:
“Jarno
drove a fine race, especially given the difficulties he had with the tyres. It
was frustrating to be held up by Heidfeld, but we are nevertheless pleased to see him score his first points. As
for Jenson,
it was a little more disappointing. After the jump-start and the consequent
penalty, he was making up places when he crashed.”
25th May 2002
monaco gp. qualifying.
Following an encouraging Saturday practice when Jarno finished with the quickest time of 1:17.429 and Jenson was 7th with 1:18.963, the Renault F1 Team today experienced a disappointing qualifying session
in preparation for the Monaco Grand Prix. The final positions are only satisfactory, with the team’s two drivers
occupying the fourth row of the grid. Following a typical qualifying session at
Monaco, with all the problems it can bring, Jarno Trulli finished seventh, with team-mate Jenson Button in eighth position.
Jarno Trulli, 7 th position, 1:17.710, 12 laps :
“Seventh position is disappointing when I was
expecting to be in the top four. My first run was my only clear lap, and after
that I hit traffic each time. Twice, Massa’s Sauber didn’t move out of the way, even though he was just cruising around.
I’m very angry about it. Even so, I want to thank the team for all their work,
because I’ve had a very good car throughout this weekend. It’s really
frustrating, because we deserved better.”
Jenson Button, 8 th position, 1:18.132, 12 laps:
“The car was good throughout the whole session – I
didn’t need to make any changes during the hour. I made a mistake on my third
run, so I couldn’t improve then, but the problem at the end was Massa. He slowed me down, just as for lots of other people,
apparently. Something needs to be done about it.”
Mike Gascoyne, Technical Director, Renault F1 Team:
“We are disappointed as we were expecting
more from qualifying. As the track got quicker, our drivers were both affected
by traffic on their last three runs. Having said that, it’s typical at Monaco, and everybody knows that. Up to now, we have had a
competitive weekend, and we now look to reinforce our position during the
race.”
23rd May 2002
monaco gp. thursday practice.
Chassis R202-02 Spare car (JT)
R202-01 Jarno Trulli
R202-06 Jenson Button
A positive first day for the Renault F1
Team at the Monaco Grand Prix. In spite of a disrupted day which saw a number
of incidents on the tight, twisty circuit, Jenson Button and Jarno Trulli
worked well throughout the two sessions, with
Jarno taking first place overall
in a time of 1:18.915, the only driver to break the 1:18 barrier today. Jenson finished in
tenth place following a small accident at Mirabeau
towards the end of the second session. In the first
session Jarno had been 3rd fastest and Jenson
8th. Top 6 overall: Trulli, McNish, DC, Fisichella, Salo, Ralf.
Jarno Trulli, 1st position, 45 laps, 1:18.915:
“It
was a good performance today, and I really want to thank the team for all their
work. The conditions here are extremely difficult, but we didn’t have any
problems at all. I’m pleased with the handing of the car – there’s still more
speed to find, but on this circuit, you need to be happy with the car before
you can really push, and I was able to do so straight away. Now I want to
confirm this performance, not just in
qualifying, but most importantly during the race on Sunday!”
Jenson Button, 10th position, 34 laps, 1:20.375:
“Overall,
today was pretty good. The car isn’t perfect as I’m suffering from a little bit
of understeer, and there’s definitely more time to come, especially considering
that I didn’t get a clear run on new tyres. Jarno is very quick, which means things are
looking
good
for us.”
Mike Gascoyne, Technical Director, Renault F1 Team:
“A good session for the whole team. The drivers worked on the balance of
the car today, and are both pleased with the handling. Apart from Jenson’s small off at the end of the day,
we had no real problems.”
Events at the Monaco Grand Prix for the
Renault Drivers
Tuesday, 21 May, 2002
The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team drivers attended the premiere of the new
Ken Loach film “Sweet Sixteen” at the 55th
Cannes Film Festival. After spending the day training
in Monaco, Jarno Trulli and Jenson Button arrived at the world-famous Palais
des Festivals in true style, aboard Renault’s new range-topping Vel Satis.
Renault has been an official partner of the Cannes Film Festival since
1983, and has provided a fleet of eighty-five Vel Satis to mark its twentieth
year of partnership with the Festival.
Wednesday, 22 May, 2002
The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team drivers Jarno Trulli and Jenson Button,
accompanied by Managing Director Flavio Briatore, will make a flying visit to
the headquarters of Mécachrome in Aubigny-sur-Nčre, just north-west of Magny
Cours in central France.
Mécachrome is a key element in the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team programme,
responsible for machining work, assembly and bench-testing of the team’s RS22
engine.
Founded in 1937, Mécachrome first joined forces with Renault Sport in
1974, and assumed responsibilities for engine assembly in 1983. Since then, the
Mécachrome Group has been a key partner of Renault in Formula 1, and the
Group’s F1 activities now employ more than 200 people “
20th May 2002
monaco gp. preview.
The Monaco race demands a flexible and driveable engine.
Flexibility in an engine is defined as the availability of power from low revs,
increasing progressively rather than suddenly. Driveability indicates that the
engine works well under all conditions, meaning the drivers can avoid certain
risky gearchanges on the twisty circuit.
Remi Taffin, Button’s race engineer:
“We also have to change the engine’s
intake configuration at Monaco. Instead of maximum power at very high revs, we
look to
create torque from low revs. It’s the
only circuit where the engine revs drop so low so often.”
The Renault F1 Team will take four chassis to Monaco:
Jarno Trulli R202-01
Jenson Button R202-03
Spare car R202-02
Spare monocoque R202-00
Jarno Trulli is confident of a good performance in
this weekend’s Monaco
Grand Prix as he
bids to score his first points for the Renault F1 Team following a string of difficult results
since the start of the season.
Jarno Trulli:
“We know the car will be good. I am
really confident about this weekend. You have to take the positives from a weekend
like Austria, and although I had a problem with qualifying, I was in contention
for points in the race until the engine blew. It’s strange because in one
sense, the problems have seen me working closely with the team under real
pressure, and I have established a great relationship with everybody. I feel
sad for them because they work so hard to give me a reliable car and I am
looking forward to my first points for the satisfaction of the team and myself.
Once the results come the relationship will become even stronger.”
Both Button and Trulli will benefit from the strict fitness
regime operated by the Renault F1 Team, as the race will present a tough work
out for the drivers. But Button does not believe the track demands any more
skill than any other on the Grand
Prix calendar.
Jenson Button:
“It is pretty tough physically on your
hands and arms. Keeping control of the car over the bumps is really difficult
because there are so many of them, and it certainly takes more time to learn
because every corner is blind and the surface is low in grip.
But at least we have a day off on Friday!
That is a great idea because it is the only day I have had off since before the
Austrian
Grand Prix – I
have been flat out! It will be nice to have a break.”
Trulli is aware of the importance of finding the
perfect set-up to cope with the demands of the circuit and the Italian insists
that a mixture of caution and speed is the recipe for success in Monaco.
Jarno Trulli:
“The restriction of the circuit means you
need to be very reactive in the very tight corners and you need a good feeling
from the car. It is a strange track to drive compared to other circuits and all
the little things need to be in place because you can gain time everywhere. You
have to be careful and quick at the same time. The physical factors make the
race a real psychological challenge and it is tricky to maintain concentration.
It is a long race and there are lots of corners but, for me, the quick part of the
swimming pool section is the most exciting.”
15th May 2002
valencia test.
Jarno Trulli R202-05 61 laps 244 km
Fernando Alonso R202-04 47 laps 188 km
The Renault F1 Team today continued its
test session in Valencia with Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso. Jarno finished 4th
fastest and Fernando 5th. Fastest on the day was Marc Gene for Williams. Also present, BAR and Jordan.
Renault F1 Team Technical Director Mike Gascoyne:
“A good day overall for us. Jarno had an engine problem, which hampered the
morning session, but was still able to complete 61 successful laps in the
afternoon. He progressed in traction control development work and general
set-up of the R202-05 chassis in preparation for the Monaco Grand Prix. Fernando started to work on the electronic
systems of the R202-04, and will continue tomorrow.”
Jarno Trulli:
“So far we seem to be
okay for Monaco. But because I haven't had much luck this year since the
beginning of the season, I really don't know what's going to happen."
Jenson Button will take over from Jarno Trulli starting tomorrow and will test along
side Fernando until Saturday, 18 May.
14th May 2002
valencia test.
Jarno Trulli R202-05 84 laps 336 km
The Renault F1 Team today began a five-day test programme in
Valencia, Spain. Two days after his unfortunate
retirement on lap 45 of the Austrian Grand Prix, a positive Jarno Trulli took the wheel of chassis R202-05 and completed 84 laps of the Spanish
circuit during a day termed ”productive” by Technical Director Mike Gascoyne.
Trulli completed a programme that included
basic set-up work for the forthcoming race in Monaco and brake evaluation, as well as testing
new suspension geometry during the afternoon.
Renault F1 Team Technical Director Mike
Gascoyne:
“It was a good day. As usual, Jarno worked extremely well with a full
development programme. Overall, it looks promising.”
For the second day’s testing at Valencia tomorrow, Wednesday, 15 May, Jarno Trulli will be joined by test driver Fernando Alonso.
The latter will conduct electronic
systems development, whereas the Italian will concentrate on a tyre programme
with Michelin aimed at the next round of the
championship.
12 May, 2002
austrian gp. race.
The abiding memory of this race is not
the accident involving Heidfeld and Sato, as might be the case in another Grand
Prix, but the sheer audacity of Ferrari in fixing the
result. It’s possible that they may have reason to regret opening that can of
worms, and Mr M. Schumacher himself did indeed look embarrassed when
it came to sharing the podium with the true winner. But we digress. No one was
left on the grid and there was only a small incident between Villeneuve and Frentzen, for which Jacques later paid a drive through penalty. JV was one of the few drivers on a two stop
strategy, so he got busy making his lighter fuel load work to his advantage for
the first part of the race. The two Ferraris began to pull
away from the rest of the field, but everyone bunched up again when the safety
car had to come out after Oli Panis’ Honda engine let go and left him in the middle
of the track. After the safety car had departed, one or two drivers had a
problem with their cold brakes locking up. None more so than Heidfeld, whose car seemed to take on a life of
its own as he spun causing his car to cut a corner and career across the track,
missing Montoya by a whisker and taking out Sato’s Jordan, T-boning it into the gravel trap.
Although Sato was moving, there were a few nasty
moments as the medical team went through their procedures, but fortunately he
was OK. Heidfeld only had a bruised foot. The safety car
came out again, while Sato was being
treated, again keeping the field close together. Jarno had made progress at the start and by
virtue of other cars leaving the race, and was running in 8th place
for a time before a loss of fuel pressure caused him to retire. Jenson continued to finish in 7th
place. Barrichello had led throughout the race, with Michael close behind, beating their closest
rivals, the Williams’ boys back into 3rd and 4th.
As the two Ferraris approached the finish line, Barrichello slowed down slightly, allowing his team
mate Schumacher to pass and win the race. This led to a
strange sight on the podium, as Michael pushed Rubens into the top step and forced him to take
the winner’s trophy. It was rightfully his, but even the FIA draw the line at this performance, and
have summoned Ferrari to their next meeting to explain
themselves. Barrichello won the race on merit, but obeyed team
orders to let Schumacher through. 3rd was JPM, then Ralf, Fisichella and DC.
Chassis
R202-01 Jarno Trulli
The
Renault F1 Team
had a frustrating end to a difficult weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix. Starting from far
back on the grid, the team’s cars performed more competitively in race trim
than during the rest of the weekend. While Jarno Trulli retired on lap 45 following a
drop in fuel pressure, Jenson Button finished seventh, just outside the points.
Jarno Trulli, retired, lap 45:
“Following
a good start, I was lucky to avoid a number of incidents at the first two
corners. After that, I was running well just behind McNish. Our strategy meant
I gained a number of places when I stopped, and everything was going well after
that. I was fighting with Fisichella and Coulthard – I’d even say I was a
little bit quicker. Then I simply lost fuel pressure and had to retire.”
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering, Mild Seven Renault F1
Team:
“A
disappointing end to a hard weekend for the team. Although our performance in the
race saw us running much closer to our competitors, we were unable to achieve a
points finish. It’s frustrating but there was nothing we could have done,
neither in
terms
of strategy nor car set-up.”
Denis Chevrier, Head of Race Engineering (Engine), Mild Seven Renault F1
Team:
“We
competed at a level much closer to our usual rivals today, which further
underlines our disappointing performance during qualifying. Even so, only one
of our drivers reached the finish following Jarno’s retirement. Taking into
account the analyses that still need to be conducted, we have identified a loss
of fuel pressure, but it is still too early to know the real cause of the
problem.”
11 May, 2002
austrian gp.
qualifying
Chassis
R202-02 Spare car, then Trulli
R202-01 Jarno Trulli
An
extremely disappointing qualifying session for the Renault F1 Team at the Austrian Grand Prix. The session was
interrupted by a red flag, brought out when the engine failed on Jarno Trulli’s race car. Trulli subsequently took the spare car (chassis
R202-02, set up for Jenson Button) for the second consecutive
qualifying session, and only managed 16th place. Jenson Button finished 13th,
unable to improve his first time after traffic disrupted his subsequent runs.
Jarno Trulli, 1:09.980, 10 laps, 16 th position:
“First
of all, I want to apologise for the red flag. The engine let go suddenly, and
there was really nothing I could do to control the car. I then jumped into the
spare, which was set up for Jenson, and even though the team managed to change almost everything, I still
struggled a little with brakes I’m not used to. I did the best I could in the
circumstances, and I particularly want to thank the team for doing a great job.
We
are extremely disappointed after a session during which we found neither the
necessary balance nor speed on both cars. Our work was not helped by Jarno’s engine failure, which forced him into
the T-car. We now have a lot of work to do if we are to score points tomorrow.
Denis Chevrier, Head of Race Engineering (Engine), Mild Seven Renault F1
Team:
“Quite simply,
everything happened which shouldn’t during qualifying! Having spent time honing
the car for the session, kind of engine
problem for Jarno leaves us unable to challenge our competitors, as we should be capable
of doing. It also gives us reason to be disappointed and worried. Jenson also had a difficult
afternoon, during a session in which we were unable to fight with our usual
rivals. Tomorrow, we will have to use the most powerful race configuration
possible, whilst taking account of the potential for technical and sporting
incidents at this circuit.”
10th May 2002
austrian gp. friday practice.
Chassis R202-02 Spare car (JB)
R202-01 Jarno Trulli
R202-03 Jenson Button
Mixed
results for the Renault F1 Team at the end of the first day’s practice for the Austrian Grand Prix. The team conducted a
typical Friday programme, working on race set-up as well as tyre choice. Both
drivers completed a significant amount of running, finishing the day in 14th (Jenson Button) and 17th (Jarno Trulli) positions.
Jarno Trulli, 1:12.155, 47 laps , 17th