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30th May 2004 european
gp. race. A rather dodgy first
lap for Jarno this afternoon, thanks to Takuma Sato. Michael Schumacher
managed to block Jarno at the start but the Renault was second into turn 1
until Sato forced him wide to take the position and then, unseen by TV
viewers, a coming together with the BAR in turn 4 caused Jarno to lose
several positions, including to Alonso. Thus Jarno found himself in seventh,
but fortunately still in the race! Behind the leaders into turn 1, Montoya
caused havoc by locking his wheels and failing to turn into the corner. He
hit both ends of his team mate’s Williams, causing Ralf to bounce over da
Matta’s front wheel and put them both out of the race. Montoya himself had to
pit for a new front wing, which deservedly dropped him down the field, and
eventually finished 8th. Raikkonen was running second until his
customary engine failure on lap 15. Coulthard had made it from the back of
the field up to ninth at the end of lap 1, but he too was a victim of the
Mercedes curse half way through the race. Jarno got past Fernando when he ran
wide and after that, the Renaults maintained and consolidated their positions
through the pit stops and finished Jarno 4th and Fernando 5th.
Ferrari made Barrichello’s two stop strategy work and got Rubens into second
place. Third at that time was Sato, who made an ambitious move on Barrichello
12 laps from the end: trying to go inside the Ferrari at the first corner,
they collided and Sato lost his front wing, so had to pit for a new one. He came
back out in 5th place, between the 2 Renaults, but it wasn’t long
before the Honda engine let go. Why is it always him? So Button lucked in to
3rd place (no matter what ITV say!) and another podium for him, as
the Ferraris majestically took first and second place, no need to guess in
which order! The two-stopping Fisichella achieved 6th place and
Mark Webber hung in there for seventh. No other retirees meant that 15 cars
finished the race. Top 8: M. Schumacher, Barrichello, Button, Trulli, Alonso,
Fisichella, Webber, Montoya. Renault F1 Team
Press Release
Jarno 4th and Fernando 5th gives the team a solid
result at the 'Ring, reinforcing the championship position. The Renault F1 Team obtained a strong result this
afternoon at the European Grand Prix. After an eventful opening lap, the two
Renaults of Trulli and Alonso stopped on laps 9 and 10 respectively. From
this point on, they were caught behind a number of cars on two-stop
strategies. Fernando Alonso suffered a steering problem on lap 14, which caused
an off-track excursion that cost him position, but the drivers steadily
climbed the order to finish 4th and 5th, thereby reinforcing the team's
second position in the Constructors Championship. Jarno Trulli, 4th position: Fernando Alonso, 5th position: Flavio Briatore, Managing Director: Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: ITV Watch: Good grief, they were being nice! I nearly
fainted when there was a little Trulli feature based on his Monaco win. And
Tony Jardine has declared that Jarno “has turned the corner” in his racing,
so we can all relax now. Not sure about TJ’s likening of Jarno’s look as like
a “ninja turtle, or Attila the Hun.”
Attila the Hun? Excuse me???? Back to the history books, I think! One
good thing about JT losing his voice….his grid interview was better than it
usually is, as Ted Krapitz had to be more creative with the questions. On the
Jenson front, they couldn’t talk up JB’s qualifying lap, so they intereviewed
David Richards instead, which is always good for a bit of Jenson adoration.
Grim is probably fighting with David to be the one wiping Jenson’s bottom at
GP weekends. The double interview with Jenson and Takuma was
interesting….aren’t they allowed to interview Takuma on his own? ITV’s Myth
of the Day….. Jenson was unlucky in the race. Martin Brundle informed us that
JB “hasn’t had a lucky afternoon.” Presumably he forgot that JB started 5th,
benefited from Sato’s first lap antics with Jarno, gained when Raikonnen’s
engine blew, and walked into third place when Sato’s Honda grenade went off.
Still, it’s easily done. At least MB
had the good grace to give Driver of the Day to Sato. Funny how we’re still
waiting for news of who got the Monaco Driver of the Day! ITV were pleased
anyway that they didn’t have to pretend to be happy for Takuma if he’d made
the podium. One question…..what happened to the
Press Conference, or did I blink and miss it? It was only Speed Sunday on
afterwards, not Coronation Street. And one possible inaccuracy, unless they
know something we don’t…..regarding the new qualifying rules, ITV seems to
think they are 25 minute sessions, when all other info says 20. Oh well….. 29th May 2004 european
gp. qualifying. First qualifying didn’t look so good for the
Renault boys. Jarno had to go first because of his great win in Monaco, when
the track was slowest and his time was only good enough for P13. Fernando
managed 8th. Fastest was Sato’s BAR, almost half a second quicker
than Michael Schumacher in P2. Coulthard qualified 4th, but his
engine expired during his in lap, so he will take a 10 second penalty on the
grid. Top 6: Sato, M. Schumacher, R. Schumacher, Coulthard, Button,
Raikkonen. Second qualifying was a different story!
Going out 8th, Jarno put in a storming lap which was the best time
for much of the session. His finishing P3 position was beyond expectations
for this track. Team mate Fernando was 6th. The last two runners
were the only two who could beat Jarno…..first Michael Schumacher, who was
seven tenths quicker and the eventual pole winner. Then BAR’s Sato slotted in
P2 after an excellent lap. Coulthard and Fisichella, both penalised for
engine changes, failed to qualify in this session, so will start at the back.
Top 6: M. Schumacher, Sato, Trulli, Raikkonen, Button, Alonso. Renault F1 Team Press Release. Jarno third and Fernando sixth on the grid for the
European Grand Prix, a strong result. Free Practice 3 JT 1:30.551, 6 laps Practice mileage: The Renault F1 Team finished qualifying for the European
Grand Prix at the Nürburgring in extremely promising shape. Jarno Trulli will
start tomorrow's race from third position, while his team-mate Fernando
Alonso will be sixth on the grid. Both drivers were pleased with their cars'
handling, and hope to run competitively tomorrow. Jarno Trulli, 3rd position: Fernando Alonso, 6th position: Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: Denis Chevrier, Engine Operations Manager: ITV Watch: Good of ITV not to make too much fuss about
the Monaco race winner at the start. Schumacher’s accident was much more
important. Not their fault that Jarno has lost his voice though, and
preferred not to do a spoken interview. The written one was……erm…..original.
It’s Toyota weekend at ITV so we can expect them to spend about 5 minutes
with them today and tomorrow. Dear, oh dear, when will ITV get the timing
right…..in her interview with Geoff Willis Louise gave away one of the
positions in Q1 before it had been officially announced again. It gave them
the excuse to mention Jenson’s great times in practice though. Then it was
disappointment all round again, as Jenson’s Q2 lap was not
what it was expected to be. James raised the excitement levels,
then…..deflation, as our Jense was only good enough for 5th. And
worse….his team mate was P2! But there is a reason for JB’s not so quick
lap……that bloody wind from Spain again! Must be following him about! Must be
targeting Jenson as it didn’t seem to affect anyone else. The straw clutching
involves JB’s heavy fuel level…..if it exists! ITV’s statistics also seem a
bit skewed…..they reckon this makes it 5-1 to Jarno over Fernando in
qualifying. We’ve already had 6 races, and it’s now 5-2. But they were
close….. Oh, and one more
question…..why did they ask Takuma Sato’s race engineer about where Jenson
went wrong on Jenson’s qualy lap????? Words fail me……. 29th May 2004 european gp. saturday practice. It was Button followed by various Schumachers
topping the times in practice this morning. In the first session, Ralf
slipped into second spot, the other Schumacher in 5th. Jarno was 7th
and Fernando 8th. Top 6: Button, R. Schumacher, Sato, Montoya, M.
Schumacher, Raikkonen. Michael Schumacher was second to the BAR in the second session. Montoya had a strange session, after a spin at turn 10: he did 10 laps but set no time. Jarno had an electrical problem and finished 13th, with Fernando in 6th place. Top 6: Button, M. Schumacher, Sato, Raikkonen, Barrichello, Alonso. 28th May 2004 european
gp. friday practice. A
slow start for the Monaco race winner as Jarno wound up 15th in
the first session. Fernando was 9th. Top of the table was BAR’s
Davidson, he of the powerful engine and new tyres. Michael Schumacher had a
spin at turn 3 but survived. But Fisichella’s engine did not survive more
than 2 laps. He moves back 10 spaces on the grid with a new engine. Top 6:
Davidson, M. Schumacher, Barrichello, Webber, Zonta, Raikkonen. A
change at the top in session 2, with Raikkonen at P1. Haven’t seen that too
many times this year! Michael Schumacher had hydraulic problems and only did
9 laps, with a time only good enough for 9th. Felipe Massa’s
Sauber was the one to stop on track this time. Jarno finished 5th
fastest with Fernando 8th. Top 6: Raikkonen, Button, R.
Schumacher, Coulthard, Trulli, Barrichello. Renault F1 Team Press Release. Jarno fifth and Fernando eighth as the drivers
struggle for grip in Germany. Jarno Trulli R24-03 JT
FA A trouble-free opening day for the Renault F1 Team to
begin the European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. In cooler conditions than
those encountered at recent races, both drivers struggled for grip on the
circuit. Nevertheless, Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso finished fifth and
eighth in a very tightly-packed field. The top eleven cars were separated by
less than a second. Jarno Trulli, 5th: Fernando Alonso, 8th: Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Operations: 26th May 2004 european
gp. driver preview. So Jarno, first pole and first race win in Monaco.
What can we expect this weekend? What have you been doing since Sunday evening in
Monaco? Looking ahead to the Nürburgring, what is your
view of the circuit? Bob Bell, Technical Director (Chassis): Bob, how good a job did you feel the drivers did
last weekend? 24th May 2004 And how is Jarno
celebrating his first win, you may ask? He’s visiting the Renault factory in
Paris, in a visit planned some time before his win in Monaco. Good timing,
huh? The Renault employees must be pleased to see the man who got out of the
car that had borne him to victory and kissed the Renault badge. You don’t see
that very often, do you? That’s how much it meant to Jarno. On Wednesday this
week, Jarno will be going to the Champions League Final between Monaco and
Porto in Germany before the European GP at the Nurburgring. 23rd May 2004 monaco
gp. race. HE’S DONE
IT!!!!! JARNO TRULLI, RACE WINNER…….how cool is that??? How good does that
sound??? It’s been a long time coming! How appropriate that Jarno’s first win
should come at Monaco, the famous race, a true driver’s circuit! Didn’t he
look such a natural up there on the podium? Jarno has
been on top of his game all weekend, taking his first pole on the way and
culminating in his first Formula 1 win. Last week I spoke with Lucio Cavuto,
Jarno’s manager, and asked him if he had any good parties lined up for the
Monaco weekend. He said there was only one they wanted to attend…..the
special one that only the race winner is invited to: Jarno will have enjoyed
his dinner with Prince Rainier. To the race, and what an eventful one it was!
The first incident occurred at the race start, when Panis’ Toyota stalled on
the grid after the parade lap. The start was aborted and it all had to be
done all over again. Jarno made a good start and Fernando went past Jenson to
take second. Behind them, Sato made what looked like a jump start to take 4th
place. Before that, Sato’s BAR was seen to be smoking on the first parade
lap, and sure enough, 3 laps in, the Honda grenade exploded with a mighty
cloud of smoke at Tabac, completely blinding those behind him. Most slowed
down considerably, as there was no way they could see where they were
going……except apparently for Fisichella, whose Sauber did a flying leap over
the back of DC’s McLaren, overturning the Sauber completely. Luckily,
Fisichella walked away, and so did DC, whose rear wing and back of the car
was trashed. Klien had already crashed into the barriers on lap 2. The safety
car went in on lap 8, with Jarno leading until his pit stop on lap 23. Alonso
and Schumacher went in during the following laps and Jarno resumed the lead.
Meanwhile Webber, Pantano and Bruni had retired with various mechanical
problems. On lap 29, McLaren responsibly pulled Raikkonen out of the race, as
his engine was on the verge of blowing. As always in Monaco, traffic was a
problem as the leaders lapped the backmarkers. The interpretation of Fernando
Alonso’s accident in the tunnel, while trying to pass Ralf Schumacher’s
stricken Williams by taking to the dirty side of the track, depends on your
feelings towards each driver and what you consider was to blame. The race
stewards, after looking at the telemetry decided they could not lay blame,
while each driver blamed the other. Then, while the safety car was back out
for the Renault to be cleared away, another strange incident in the tunnel:
Michael Schumacher was leading by now, as Jarno and Jenson Button had
immediately reacted to the safety car and made their final pit stop. It seems
that, knowing the safety car was about to go in, the 6 times World Champion
decided to warm up his brakes, as we have seen him do before, with dire
consequences for other drivers, notably Jenson Button in Monza. This time he
was being followed by Montoya, who wasn’t quite ready for this. He tried to
avoid the Ferrari but Michael had not left enough room for him between his
car and the wall, although Montoya did try to squeeze into it! But the
Williams clipped the rear of the Ferrari which managed to spin itself into
the opposite wall, and out of the race. Jarno took back the lead and after
all this excitement, it was just a question of keeping position and driving
the car home. Jenson was right behind him for the last few laps, but Jarno
knew what he was doing. He was focussed and unflappable and drove on to
victory. Bravo Jarno! Apart from Jarno and Jenson, the other drivers pretty
much lucked into their positions due to the high rate of attrition,
especially Barrichello and Montoya, who finished a lap behind. Ralf
Schumacher finally retired 3 laps from the end. Top 8: Jarno Trulli, Button,
Barrichello, Montoya, Massa, da Matta, Heidfeld, Panis. Only one other
finisher: Baumgartner…..shame Minardi didn’t get a point. Renault F1 Team Press Release Jarno takes his first ever win at the most
prestigious race, while Fernando crashed out from second position. Today at Monaco, Jarno Trulli took his first Grand Prix
in consummate style at the wheel of his Renault R24. He took control of the
race as soon as the lights went out, from pole position, and was only headed
during the second round of pit-stops, which coincided with the second safety
car period. Having started from pole, which was also a career first, he drove
a faultless race. His team-mate Fernando Alonso started from third
position, and was second by the first corner. He followed in his team-mate's
wheel-tracks during the first two stints, but crashed in the Tunnel when
lapping Ralf Schumacher. The Renault F1 Team reinforces its second place in the
Constructors' Championship, and Jarno Trulli is now fourth in the drivers'
standings, with Fernando Alonso sixth. Renault thus took its first ever win
in Monaco as a chassis manufacturer, and its seventeenth victory. Jarno Trulli, Winner: Fernando Alonso, retired: Flavio Briatore, Managing Director: Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: ITV Watch: Well, who cares? Jarno beat Jenson and won
the race, so up yours, Grim, Tony, Mark, James, Martin and the rest,
including Irvine and Herbert today: not one of them tipped Jarno to win this
race. Fresh from plagueing the Oceans 12 movie stars, which ITV kindly
replayed for us today, Louise’s victims in this programme were her old mates
Eddie Irvine and Johnny Herbert. We also had a short film about Jenson and DC
living in Monaco. Then another Jenson interview. Groan. The only plus at the
start of the show was Jarno’s qualifying lap, with words by Martin Brundle,
who was mightiliy impressed by our man’s skill. It’s a shame that Jarno
preferred to go to the toilet than to speak to Martin on the grid, because
Martin actually wanted to congratulate him on it! The gridwalk as a whole was
a bit of a disaster….Martin spoke to a ‘nobody’, a friend of the race
director, and Roman Abramovich, who doesn’t speak English. Well, Martin said
he didn’t, and he did have an interpreter, but maybe that was for French.
Roman has a house in Chelsea, has been in England for a year, and told the
interpreter the answers to MB’s questions before he was told what they were!
The only successful interviewee was……Jenson Button. You knew what I was going
to say, didn’t you? Jarno led almost the whole race, so we saw quite a lot of
him, and more when Jenson was right behind him. Call me cynical, but what
happened to Driver of the Day? Bearing in mind that they gave it to Jarno
last race, and Jenson was still mathematically in with a chance of winning at
the end…..they weren’t waiting to see if he got past Jarno so they could give
it to him, were they? Anyway, you’ll be glad to know that suddenly Jarno and
Fernando are “an exciting pairing” (James Allen) and Jarno has been “immense
for the best part of 12 months” (Martin Brundle). And who did they first interview
after the race? You guessed it……BAR’s David Richards!! Closely followed by
Jenson’s dad. Guess no one from Jarno’s side was available. The long long DC
interview by Grim afterwards was good as well. Thank goodness for the Press
Conference. 22nd May 2004 monaco
gp. qualifying. It’s still first
qualifying to me but ITV are now referring to it as PRE-qualifying; maybe
that’s so they don’t feel they have to show it. A different Schumacher, Ralf,
topped the times in this session. Is Michael slipping? Well, he slipped down
and down to 14th, after being the first driver to set a lap,
beaten, among others, by Panis, da Matta, Massa…. and Fisichella, as Sauber
continued their Friday ‘on fumes’ nonsense, when we all know that they won’t
be there on the grid. Jarno also found himself in 8th place, being
the third driver out to set a time. Fernando took 6th place. Top
6: R. Schumacher, Raikkonen, Coulthard, Button, Fisichella, Alonso. Second qualifying,
and it’s the big one
we’ve all been waiting for!!! Jarno’s lap for pole was awesome, amazing,
fantastic!!!! With 1:13.985 he was four tenths quicker than
any other driver, a remarkable achievement and a new lap record. Jarno already took that earlier today, then
it was Michael’s, and now Jarno’s again. That’s our boy!!! Jenson Button
joins Jarno on the front row, because the driver who took second by merit,
Ralf Schumacher, is penalised 10 places because his engine had to be changed
on Friday. In the same way, Fernando moves up from 4th to 3rd.
Michael Schumacher had to settle for 5th, now 4th, with
his Ferrari team mate down in 7th (6th). Coulthard is
his customary midfield 9th , now 8th, but Raikkonen in the other McLaren was
good enough for 6th (now 5th). Top 6: Trulli, R.
Schumacher, Button, Alonso, M. Schumacher, Raikkonen. Ralf moves down to 12th. Renault F1 Team
Press Release Jarno's first career pole, while Fernando will
start third in tomorrow's race. Free Practice 3 JT 1:16.374 Practice mileage First and fourth positions for the Renault F1 Team in
qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix. Jarno Trulli took the first pole
position of his career, while Fernando Alonso qualified on the second row.
Fernando will start third tomorrow, as Ralf Schumacher - currently second -
will lose ten places because of his engine change on Thursday. Jarno Trulli, Pole position: Fernando Alonso, 4th position: Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: Denis Chevrier, Engine Operations Manager: ITV Watch: ITV are stunned. This was meant to be Jenson’s pole leading to
Jenson’s win tomorrow. Instead, that Trulli man has scuppered all their
plans, never mind that JB’s actual time was only good enough for third and
he’s only on front row courtesy of Ralf’s duff BMW engine. Going back to the
first part of the show, we viewers are all laying bets now on how long before
they mention the ‘J’ word at the start…..it actually took about 3 minutes
today, when they hauled Geoff Willis, BAR engineer, out of the garage to ask
if this could be Jenson’s first win. Like the rest of us, Geoff doesn’t know.
ITV are calling Qualy 1 PRE-qualifying now, even though the Press Releases
still say Q1. This is a ploy to make us think it doesn’t count and that’s why
they don’t show it. However, they could not mask the unmistakeable sounds of
F1 cars at speed in the background, so just to make sure, Grim Rosenthal
called it ‘meaningless’. Erm……not quite. Probably the most embarrassing part
of the show was DC giving his CV on air, in an attempt, presumably, to sell
himself to another team. It must hurt him to know that, not only have ITV’s
affections moved to JB, but they have also latched on to BAR test driver, the
Brit Anthony Davidson, who is currently looking good on Fridays, due to
unlimited running, extra-powered engines, as many tyres as he wants and the
luxury of pushing hard because it doesn’t matter if he trashes the car. They
forgot to mention that, of course. Fernando is hyped as well, because he was
4th in Spain. Erm….who was third? Mentioned in passing only.
Carried away by the glitzy glam of Monaco, we had the obligatory film stars
(watch out for more on Sunday!), interviewed by Louise Goodman, out of breath
from chasing after them. George Clooney (first ever race) and Brad Pitt were
her victims. They are there to promote the film Ocean’s 12 with the
Jaguar team, who have done a good job so far of re-creating the Towering
Inferno while looking like the Minardi team in their new uniforms. Martin
Brundle got a bit excited when DC was qualifying….”what’s it going to be? 4th
? 5th? 6th? Oh…..seventh.” 8th in the end actually, and that courtesy of Ralf.
Anyway you’ll be pleased to know that ITV have decreed that Jenson is in the
best place on the grid…..front row. Better than pole apparently. Grim reckons
“he’s in great shape for the race tomorrow.” In his interview Pat Symonds said
at the end, “anyone putting money on him (Jarno) may have done a good thing.”
Not to be outdone, Grim immediately chipped in that “there’ll be a little bit
of money on Jenson as well”. There’s no stopping him. They then showed us
Jenson’s lap. Tony Jardine thinks “He’s as much on pole as Jarno.” Yeah,
right. 22nd May 2004 monaco
gp. saturday practice. In the first
session, Ferrari took the first and second slots, with Mark Webber’s Jaguar third,
as the team try to restore their reputation and impress their celebrity
guests from the movie Ocean’s 12. Felipe Massa had a dramatic spin on the
entry to the swimming pool, but just missed the barriers, and went back to
the pits. He must have scared himself silly because he didn’t emerge again
and set no time. Bruni was less lucky…..he actually clattered the barriers
and that was the end of his session. His Minardi team mate Baumgartner also
finished the morning early, after an encounter with the barriers. Jarno and
Fernando finished 5th and 6th. Top 6: M. Schumacher,
Barrichello, Webber, Button, Trulli, Alonso. Jarno led for some
time in the second session with a fantastic 1:14.016, but Michael couldn’t
allow a session without him on top! He wrenched the absolute out of the
Ferrari to take P1 by only 0.002! Fernando was 4th. Montoya had a
brush with the Armco at La Rascasse, and had to go back to the pits for a new
front. Oh dear, Jaguar, it’s not happening, is it? Another fire in Mark
Webber’s car. Maybe they should be sponsored by a fire extinguisher company.
The team saved his engine last time…..will they be able to do it again? Top
6: M.Schumacher, Trulli, Sato, Alonso, Montoya, Button. 20th May 2004 monaco
gp. thursday practice. A straightforward Thursday for the Renault
boys in Monaco. Jarno was 8th in the first session and 4th
in the second, while Fernando was 6th and 9th. In
contrast, the Jaguar team had a nightmare….Webber’s car caught fire in the
first session, burning out the top of the car and already needing an engine
change. The second session was as bad, with test driver Wirdheim the first
driver to hit the barriers, swiftly followed by race driver Klien. As usual,
Michael Schumacher blitzed the field in both sessions. In session one he was
challenged by the BAR duo, Toyota’s test driver Zonta, and DC, as McLaren
find they can cope better with the speeds at Monaco. Top 6: M. Schumacher,
Sato, Button, Zonta, Coulthard, Alonso. In the second session, Michael’s closest
challenger was the BAR test driver Davidson, while the other two BARs were
down in 6th and 7th. Raikkonen became the McLaren
presence in this session. Top 6: M. Schumacher, Davidson, Barrichello,
Trulli, Raikkonen, Button. Renault F1 Team Press Release Jarno fourth and Fernando ninth after the first
day of free practice at Monaco. JT R24-03
JT FA A productive first day of practice for the Renault F1
Team at the Monaco Grand Prix, with Jarno Trulli finishing the day in 4th and
Fernando Alonso 9th. As ever in Monaco, the day's challenge was to track
evolving circuit conditions and re-acclimatise to the unique challenge of the
Principality. While both drivers still have work to do to fine-tune the car,
the baseline established today proved positive. Jarno Trulli, 4th: Fernando Alonso, 9th: Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Operations: 17th May 2004 monaco gp. driver preview. Jarno, You come into Monaco on the back of your
strongest result of the season so far: how big a boost is that for you? As a driver, is Monaco a special weekend? In terms of performance, the team finished the
Barcelona weekend as the second team on the grid. How will things go in
Monaco? 14th May 2004 ricard test. Franck was a busy
boy today, completing a massive 163 laps for the Renault team, finishing 4th
fastest, with promising results. Jordan
made it 4 days in a row at the bottom of the time sheets, today with Glock.
Sato was fastest of all. Franck Montagny, R24-04, 163 laps Tyre programme: Other Notes: Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: 13th May
2004 ricard
test. Renault F1 test team were still fighting the
elements to a certain extent today, but our Franck put in some promising times
as the team tested for Monaco. Fastest was Sato’s BAR, but even the McLarens
managed to be quick. Jordan’s Pantano popped up from somewhere but was bottom
of the time sheets. Franck Montagny, R24-04, 93 laps Chassis programme: Tyre programme: Other Notes: Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: 12th May 2004 ricard
test. I swear that rain
cloud is following the Renault F1 test team around! Following a wet
Silverstone test last time out, the first day of testing at the Paul Ricard
circuit is also washed out. BAR, Williams , Toyota and McLaren are also
present. Fastest is Button’s BAR. Franck Montagny is Renault’s sole driver
today and is 4th quickest. Franck Montagny, R24-04, 36 laps Chassis programme: Tyre programme: Other Notes: Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: 9th May 2004 spanish
gp. race. A fantastic race from Jarno and a well-deserved third
place podium finish!!!! Jarno shot into the lead at the
start, ahead of Montoya, Sato and Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari. After all the
talk, the threat from the Williams to the Ferrari evaporated long before the
first corner, with Montoya dropping back to fourth. Jarno was able to
comfortably stay ahead of Schumacher until the first pit stop, but it was
inevitable that the quicker Ferrari would take and keep the lead. Barrichello
was trying a different strategy to his leader, two stops instead of three,
which did play out to give him second place at the end. Jarno was also
three-stopping and excellent pit stops kept him in third place. Fernando had
a good start also, taking him up to sixth place and as he kept pushing
throughout the race, he was fourth behind Jarno at the finish. (Bravo
Jarno!) McLaren were
another team whose drivers finished in tandem….but they were 10th
and 11th, Coulthard ahead of Raikkonen despite a fuel rig problem
for the Scot. The most excitement Jenson Button had today was a bit of a
battle with Coulthard, which we never saw. Button must have won that one
because he was eighth in the last points scoring position. The other BAR
driver, Sato, finished fifth as he lost out through the pit stops. Montoya,
who had found himself as low as seventh through the stops, had to retire on
lap 47 with a bizarre brake problem, which caused him to knock over his jack
man. Ralf Schumacher had another anonymous afternoon, but brought the car
home in sixth. (Congratulations, Jarno!)
Completing the points was the two-stopping
Sauber of Fisichella, in seventh, for his first points of the year. His team
mate Massa was ninth, just behind Jenson. Toyota’s Panis had started in
seventh, but was given (another) drive though penalty for speeding in the pit
lane, dropping him down to 15th; then he dropped out altogether
with a mechanical problem on lap 34. Team mate da Matta did finish, but last
of the classified drivers. Webber also finished and that’s about all that can
be said about the Jaguar driver’s afternoon. The other Jaguar retired with
something or other two thirds through the race. (Did I
mention that Jarno was third???) Jordan’s Pantano went on lap 53 and Heidfeld was long gone 20
laps before. A sad afternoon for the Minardis: Baumgartner spun early, into
oblivion……well, the gravel anyway….. and Bruni couldn’t continue past lap 32.
(By the way, Jarno was on the podium!!!!) Top 8: M. Schumacher, Barrichello, Trulli
(told you!), Alonso, Sato, R, Schumacher, Fisichella, Button. Renault F1 Team Press Release The Renault F1 Team scored its best result of the 2004
season, and its second podium of the year, when Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso
finished third and fourth in today's Spanish Grand Prix. This result
reinforces the team's second place in the Constructor's Championship, and
Renault now has 42 points, with Jarno and Fernando equal in the drivers'
standings. Jarno Trulli, 3rd: Fernando Alonso, 4th: Flavio Briatore, Managing Director: Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: ITV Watch: Quite the comedy programme today, with a few good laughs, not
least the sight of Grim Rosenthal in a Mild Seven Alonso bandana. They had to
tone down the Jenson Button worship, as he had suffered from wind on
Saturday. It didn’t stop Louise interviewing the poor boy the minute he
arrived at the track in the morning. I’m beginning to feel quite sorry for
him…...one of the ITV ‘pit crew’ must be there every time he turns around.
One of them probably sleeps outside his door so he can’t go anywhere without
them knowing. Wonder if Grim’s moved in yet? He’s punishing Jenson for his
poor qualifying though, by turning his affections today to Frurrnando Alonso
(why does Grim pronounce some names in such a strange way?) They even sent
Ted Krapitz (thanks for that one, Luke!) out to stand among the Alonso fans:
to just stand there and say hello, nothing else. ITV even remembered pool ol’
DC and interviewed him! And a short Trulli grid interview! So there, Jenson!
Flavio Briatore even got Grim’s attempt at an interview……and a mention of the
sea of blue Renault supporters in the crowd. Our interviewer wasn’t best
pleased when Flav pointed out that Grim was also wearing blue. Probably
didn’t want to hurt Jenson’s feelings any more. Frurrnando is now dumped!
There was a lot of name-dropping going on today….even Grim got in on the act,
finding Indian cricketer Tendulkar in the McLaren schmooze home: Grim
reckoned that not many people there recognised the guy….and he’s probably
right! Did I mention that Grim is only a part time F1 presenter? He actually
prefers other sports. Don’t tell Jense. Also name-dropping excessively was
Martin Brundle on the grid. After plaguing Michael Douglas (Catherine Zeta Jones
wasn’t well…..probably an excuse to avoid ITV), he moved on to someone who
has won something this week (???) and the King of Spain (“I’ll give you a
call”…..purrlease!). In between we got some drivers….the inevitable Rubens,
and Frurrnando. Martin to FA “Are you looking for Jenson Button coming
through in the race????” There’s no stopping them, is there? Notice he didn’t
mention DC. Or maybe he was included in the earlier comment about
“Drivers further down the grid fighting for their careers at the moment.” Can’t be cross with Martin today
though……he made Jarno his Driver of the Day!!!!! He’s definitely on
drugs..… 8th May 2004 spanish
gp. qualifying. Some weird positions in Q1. The Saubers have done
nothing all weekend yet are suddenly P2 and P3 in this session! Must have
sponsors to impress! Montoya came out on top, with Ralf in P4 and the
Ferraris nowhere to speak of: Schumacher in ninth and Barrichello 13th.
Jarno took fifth place, but Fernando only managed 15th. The BARs
were 11th (Sato) and 12th (Button). Maybe it’s not
B-A-Rcelona after all. Top 6: Montoya, Fisichella, Massa, R. Schumacher,
Trulli, Panis. The Saubers went back to their normal place in the second half of the table in Q2. Biggest mistake of the day was Jenson Button’s who ended up 14th, to the devastation of ITV. His team mate did the business though and finished third on the grid, just ahead of Jarno, who did a great lap, ahead of a Ferrari and a Williams. Fernando was 8th . Pole position was won by Michael Schumacher, with second placed Montoya half a second behind. Top 6: M. Schumacher, Montoya, Sato, Trulli, Barrichello, R. Schumacher. Renault F1 Team Press Release Free Practice 3 JT 1:16.015, 9
laps Practice mileage The Renault F1 Team achieved its best qualifying
performance of the 2004 season today at the Spanish Grand Prix. Jarno Trulli
will begin tomorrow's race from fourth position, which Fernando Alonso starts
on the fourth row, in eighth. However, a gusting wind during qualifying
unsettled both drivers: having found a good balance for the flying lap, the
wind rendered the cars unstable and inconsistent. Jarno Trulli, 4th Fernando Alonso, 8th Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering Denis Chevrier, Engine Operations Manager ITV Watch: It’s intriguing to see how ITV pretend first qualifying doesn’t
happen, yet they miraculously produce the results. It’s always interesting
to see how they avoid mentioning it as it’s taking place when their
Jenson Button Show starts. They had particular reason to do so today, as
their man had not only been out-qualified by his team mate, but the BAR
drivers were down in 10th and 11th places. Therefore,
Grim Rosenthal concentrated on the morning practice sessions when JB had been
fastest, one each on Friday and Saturday morning, and thanks to Sato’s second
Saturday practice time, he could claim that “no one has been faster than BAR
this weekend.” Grim almost got away with anyone noticing JB was behind Sato,
because they were able to split the table in half, so Takuma was on one
screen and Jenson on the other. They couldn’t hide Jenson’s qualifying lap
though, when he made a mistake which left him down in 14th place
by the end. Just to rub it in, Sato took third. James Allen sounded close to
tears. They re-ran the mistake later in the vain hope of finding an excuse.
It may have come down to wind apparently. Funny it didn’t happen to anyone
else.* The “big disappointment of the weekend so far.” For you, maybe. Suddenly the ITV boys
stopped mentioning JB’s first win and speculated that Michael may have been
winding everyone up when he said Jenson had a chance. Took them long enough. It was nice to see Grim and Blundell among
the trucks and the crowd though…..it gave us something to watch rather than
looking at them. They’d also decided to concentrate on Fernando Alonso today,
it being his home GP. We got two interviews with him at the beginning of the
show, before they were forced to mention he was only 15th in Q1.
Then they interviewed a golfer….Seve Ballesteros, whose only link with this
weekend seems to be his nationality. He admitted he didn’t actually know
Fernando, although he hopes he wins. He spoilt the PR blurb by saying he
favours Michael Schumacher….. Now for an unusual section….ITV plaudits: we
had a Trulli interview!!! Short but sweet. They interviewed Flavio as well,
so someone might have noticed the omission if they’d ignored JT completely.
And then….and then….Martin Brundle praised Jarno for his qualifying lap. He
said it more than once, commending the last part of the lap in particular,
saying Jarno deserved his time (for 4th place) for his
“commitment” through the last two corners “on the ragged edge.” A friend of
mine did suggest that Martin is on drugs. It’s something to savour
anyway……I’ve got it on tape! * It seems poor old Fernando was a victim of
the wind as well. Just those two then. 8th May 2004 spanish
gp. saturday practice. Very few laps were driven in this first
session, on a track where the teams test extensively during the year. Jarno
did 8, but still managed to be second quickest to Button’s BAR. Fernando was
12th, with only 4 laps. The Ferraris did 8 laps each, but even
Michael was down in fifth place. Neither Webber (Jaguar) or Bruni (Minardi) set
a time due to car problems. Top 6: Button, Trulli, Montoya, R. Schumacher, M.
Schumacher, Sato. There was a bit more action in the second
session. Even McLaren topped the time sheets with a 1 and 2 position for a
short time! Panis had a mechanical problem which put a stop to his morning’s
running. Jarno did one excellent flying lap which was good enough for fourth
place at the end of the session. Fernando was eighth. Sato took over at the
top late on. Top 6: Sato, M. Schumacher, Montoya, Trulli, Barrichello,
Button. 7th May 2004 spanish
gp. friday practice. Michael Schumacher
blitzed the field during the first practice session in Barcelona, finishing 4
tenths ahead of Barrichello. Just to rub it in, both Ferrari drivers only
completed 8 laps each; doing few laps yet immediately setting a fast time in
the first session has been their custom this year. Six tenths behind
Barrichello came BAR’s Davidson and Toyota’s Zonta. For Renault, Alonso was
seventh, Jarno 14th as they worked through their programmes. Top
6: M. Schumacher, Barrichello, Davidson, Zonta, Button, R. Schumacher. After the first session, Jarno commented: “As normal, we weren’t going for times this morning. We looked
at the tyres we have available, and did some set-up work. There’s not much to
say for now, as we are still playing ourselves in and following our own
programmes. The car balance is OK, which we expected to be the case, but
there is still work to do to improve. That’s our task this afternoon.” A change at the top in the second session, with Button overtaking Davidson for first place. The Ferraris allowed themselves to slip back to 6th (RB) and 7th (MS). Fernando was fifth and Jarno eighth. Jarno had a small off track excursion at turn 1, but continued. Klien cras |