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30th September 2004

toyota jerez test.

Michael Schumacher turned up at Jerez today; he was fastest, and what’s more, he broke the track record in the process. Jarno was 6th quickest in the Toyota, about three hundredths slower than Montagny’s Renault.

Toyota Press Release
Jerez Test Round-Up
Dates: 28-30 September 2004
Location: Circuito Permanente de Jerez, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Driver: Jarno Trulli (28-30)
Track Length: 4.428km      Total laps: 232
Best Lap Time: 1m16.674s    Chassis: TF104/03

"It was good to have three days to test after the hurried test at Silverstone, and I've more or less sorted out my seat now after trying a couple of alternatives. It wasn't the luckiest test, though. We had a reasonable first day, but we lost time after a stone lodged itself inside the rim of my left rear tyre, causing it to deflate and sending me off the circuit. I was okay, and so was the car, and we ended up putting in nearly 70 laps. On Wednesday I was testing tyres for the Brazilian Grand Prix but our work was interrupted by an accident at the chicane caused by a problem related to the rear suspension. Luckily it happened at one of the slowest parts of the circuit, but the damage meant that we did no more running that afternoon. The last day was much better and we put in a lot more mileage, so despite the troubles I now have a good feel for the car and its positive aspects."

 

29th September 2004

toyota jerez test.

Jarno continued testing at Jerez today, where today’s incident was the loss of his rear wing at the entry of the Ayrton Senna chicane. However he was able to continue and completed 54 laps. Jarno was 8th quickest with 1:17.663, four tenths slower than Montagny’s time in the Renault. He was not quickest though, that honour went to Ralf Schumacher.

 

29th September 2004

gazzetta interview.

Jarno told Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper:

"I must thank Villeneuve for his honesty: he could have said that he drove an exceptional car, but instead he said nothing but what I've been saying for a long time. I saw myself in Jacques: a struggling driver with difficulties, even though he was returning in F1 after a long time off and nothing more could be asked of him.

Renault lost out to rivals BAR in China, the Honda-powered team moving nine points clear in the standings in the battle for second place behind champions Ferrari. Trulli said he will not feel responsible if Renault fail to finish as runner-up.

"I have no responsibility if the second place in the Constructors' Championship is now difficult for them to obtain.” Jarno will drive for the Toyota team in 2005, although he could make his racing debut with the Japanese squad next week at Suzuka.

"At the moment we are not talking about it," Trulli, testing at Jerez this week, said. "First we concentrate on this three-day test, then we'll see. The car is better than I thought, even if there are obviously things that must be improved. But we knew that already."

 

28th September 2004

toyota test.

Jarno stepped back into the cockpit of the TF104B in Jerez today, to complete 67 laps for his Toyota team, finishing with the 6th fastest lap of the day. Jarno had an unscheduled incident during the morning when a rear tyre blow out caused him to leave the track rather unexpectedly. Fortunately the team was able to get the car quickly back on track for the afternoon. Other teams present were Ferrari (whose driver Badoer crashed heavily after 18 laps and was taken to the medical centre) Williams, BAR, McLaren and Renault. Apart from Jarno all the drivers were test drivers and Franck Montagny was fastest for Renault.

 

26th September 2004

chinese gp. race.

Michael Schumacher changed the engine, just in case it was responsible for his spin in qualifying, and started from the pitlane. Pole sitter Barrichello led into the first corner, as Jenson Button dropped to fifth and found himself behind Alonso (boo!). Jarno’s replacement Jacques Villeneuve, made up a few places then lost them again (hurray!). Panis was one of those drivers passed as he fought with the anti-stall on his Toyota (oh dear!). Zonta, meanwhile did well, racing as high as ninth before the pit stops, but unfortunately had to retire before the end with a gear box problem (shame!) on lap 35. After two laps, Button passed Massa for fourth, as Raikkonen was pushing hard in second place. Massa was passed by Fisichella, and Ralf Schumacher, then clipped by Coulthard’s McLaren. Button overtook Alonso at the hairpin on lap 7 (hurray!). Michael Schumacher bashed into Klien’s Jaguar at the harpin on lap 11 (naughty!) which caused the Jaguar to retire. The first stops did nothing to change the order at the top. On lap 16, Michael spun at turn 16 while in P10 (careless), so it was back down the field (snakes and ladders).  But he soon passed Coulthard and Massa, as he moved back up. But he was back down to 14th after his late stop. He then had to make an extra stop when he got a left rear puncture. The team weren’t ready to refuel him, so he had to stop once more before finishing the race in 12th place. Coulthard drove into Ralf on lap 38, breaking the Williams’ rear suspension (clumsy) causing Ralf to retire almost in the McLaren pit (ooops!)! DC did not escape unscathed from the collision (fair dos) and had to pit after a puncture.  Bruni lost a wheel on his Minardi (careless!) and didn’t seem to make it back to the pits (lost?). There was a possibility that Button may have taken first place from Barrichello as they were on different strategies, but the BAR didn’t have quite enough speed to beat the Ferrari after Rubens last stop. Villeneuve was stuck behind Mark Webber’s Jaguar for much of the race and couldn’t seem to do anything about it (second Renault syndrome?) Renault’s press release was amusing though: they said JV “drove aggressively and competitively all the way to the chequered flag” seemingly forgetting the Jaguar that was directly (and I mean directly) ahead of him for the last stint. “He set his fastest lap on the final lap….”  Oh really? And didn’t they think that was suspicious in the previous race when Jarno did it? Maybe it’s fine today because Alonso set HIS fastest lap on his penultimate lap… Another Renault press release comedy moment….Flavio called Fernando’s 4th place “the foot of the podium.” He didn’t say that when Jarno was 4th in Magny Cours, did he? It’s the way he tells ‘em! Top 8: Barrichello, Button, Raikkonen, Alonso, Montoya, Sato, Fisichella, Massa. Villeneuve struggled home in 11th .  

Toyota Racing Press Release

Olivier Panis (Car 17, Chassis TF104/09B)
Session Classification: 14th, +1 lap (from race winner)
Grid: 8th

"The problem at the start of the race ended a good chance for a points scoring result in today's Chinese Grand Prix. Basically, the anti-stall kicked in unexpectedly and the car would not get going, so I was at the back of the field heading down to the first corner. All I can say is that we will work hard together to try and find a solution for the future. It is a terrible shame after a strong qualifying performance yesterday. During the race, the car felt good and consistent, so it was clear that we could have done well this afternoon. Basically, it was a missed opportunity for the whole team."
Ricardo Zonta (Car 16, Chassis TF104/10B)
Session Classification: DNF, +21 laps (from race winner)
Grid: 13th

"I had a great start and a really good first lap, during which I managed to overtake some other cars and gain several positions. I was happy with the performance of the car and my speed in the race was quite competitive, so I was able to fight with Coulthard and Fisichella. Even if I did not have the opportunity to overtake the cars in front of me, I was putting some pressure on them. After my last pit stop I lost my fifth gear and I had to come back to the garage, where unfortunately the race finished for me. A disappointing end as I think that we could have scored minimum one point today."
Tsutomu Tomita – Team Principal
"Olivier got an anti-stall at the start due to a problem related to the engine and it was something that he could do nothing about. This made his race very difficult and we have to be thankful that he brought the car home. After an excellent effort in qualifying, he deserved a better result. Ricardo had a great opening lap, making his way up to ninth place. He drove a strong race and was looking almost certain for a points finish until he lost fifth gear and was forced to come to the pits to retire. We have enjoyed a good reliability from the gearbox this season, so we will have to look into what happened. Obviously, a very disappointing result after a strong weekend for Toyota in China. We now have to look ahead to Toyota's home race, the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, where we will be aiming to get a good result, not only for the team, but also for the Toyota family and our Japanese supporters."
T-car: TF104/11B (set-up for Ricardo Zonta)


Testing Preview: Panasonic Toyota Racing is testing on two fronts in the run-up to the Japanese Grand Prix next week. After one day of testing in Silverstone last week, newly-signed Toyota driver Jarno Trulli will begin his first full test for the team at the Jerez circuit. Jarno will drive the TF104B from 28–30 September (inclusive) at the southern Spanish track. Toyota's race drivers Olivier Panis and Ricardo Zonta will remain in Asia between the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix, so the team will be making use of its Toyota Drivers Academy to take over testing duties. Frenchman Franck Perera and Japanese Katsuyuki Hiranaka will carry out aerodynamic testing on the straight at the Vairano circuit in Italy on 28 and 29 September, in order to evaluate parts for the remaining two races of the season.

 

ITV Watch: The Chinese tourist video at the start of the show went on longer than yesterday. Just to keep us interested that was followed by a loooooong interview with Jacques Villeneuve, now that he’s willing to do them. His former mechanic Jock Clear came on to give us his theory that Michael spun deliberately in qualifying to make his race more interesting; that must be good stuff he’s smoking. Martin Brundle was taking part in the VW Polo race for old timers, which meant an interview with Louise on the grid, plus James Allen commentating on the race; it was obvious the commentary was tagged on afterwards. Grim Rosenthal interviewed Bernie Ecclestone, which was the usual nonsense….and irritating nonsense at that…. as he is completely out of kilter with what the public thinks. Grim was trying to talk up historic tracks like Silverstone versus these new purpose built jobs. A complete waste of time talking about it to someone who spends all his time in luxury hotels and the paddock. Grim thought we were envious he was in Shanghai…..wrong. We had to get up at 6am to watch this trollop. Don’t keep raving on about these new circuits, it seems disloyal. There were gymnasts in the pit lane…..they think it’s the Olympics already. Brundle’s grid walk was strange without the Barrichello interview…… wonder what happened? He was covered earlier though, so maybe ITV will still pay him. We got someone different instead (discounting Jenson, obviously)…..Flippie Massa, who must have a nosebleed being that high on the grid. Also, a very mellow Ralf. Maybe he’s on the same stuff as Jock!   It wasn’t as strange as I expected without Jarno……perhaps because we hardly ever got to see him on ITV anyway! ITV missed Michael Schumacher’s spin because of the longest commercial break on record, and more of those darn breaks came thick and fast towards the end of the race. James Allen said too many stupid things to list, but sometimes it’s just too obvious: he told us that Kimi was being held up just as the Finn put in his fastest lap. And taking of daft statements, Grim told us at the end of the programme about the Chinese race “I reckon this one is here to stay.” I do too, as they have a contract for the next 6 years at least. And the programme finished 10 minutes early according to the TV schedules….. 

 

25th September 2004

chinese gp.qualifying.

First qualifying went to plan for Michael Schumacher when he finished P1 ahead of Kimi Raikkonen. Fisichella did his usual Friday thing in the Sauber to be third, ahead of the second Ferrari. Panis was 9th and Zonta 16th with Villeneuve and Alonso 13th and 14th.

The second session had two spinners, one was Bruni in the Minardi, and the other, somewhat unexpectedly, Michael Schumacher. One expected to start at the back, the other didn’t. Barrichello’s Ferrari took pole, with the McLaren of Kimi Raikkonen by his side on the front row. Massa was a surprising 4th place. Panis was a creditable 8th, although Zonta could only manage 14th, one place behind Villeneuve. They both move up one when Sato moves back because of his engine penalty. Alonso was 6th. Top 6: Barrichello, Raikkonen, Button, Massa, R. Schumacher, Alonso.

Toyota Racing Press Release

Olivier Panis (Car 17, Chassis TF104/09B)
Pre-Qualifying: 9th
Lap Time: 1m34.153s (+0.968s)
Qualifying: 8th
Lap Time: 1m34.975s (+0.963s)
Grid Position: 8th

"I am quite happy to be eighth on the grid for tomorrow's race. With all three cars around the top ten in yesterday's free practice, we started the race weekend in a competitive way. The car has been looking consistent, although I had some trouble this morning with corner entry oversteer. We were unable to fix the problem immediately, but after the session I sat down with my engineers and checked the data. The changes we made to the car worked well for qualifying and I would like to say well done to everyone. Considering where we were this morning and where we are now, we have improved a lot. I am confident we can push hard in the race tomorrow."
Ricardo Zonta (Car 16, Chassis TF104/10B)
Pre-Qualifying: 16th
Lap Time: 1m34.958s (+1.773s)
Qualifying: 14th
Lap Time: 1m35.410s (+1.398s)
Grid Position: 13th

"I do not think that final result does justice to our performance so far this weekend. The grip level was much lower in qualifying compared to this morning's practice sessions. I made a small mistake at the hairpin when I locked the front wheels, but I lost a lot of time in the final sector. I am not starting as high up the grid as I expected, but we have been quite competitive in the practice sessions, running regularly inside of the top ten, so I hope our race preparations will pay off. I have some work to do in the early stages of the race to make my way up through the field."
Mike Gascoyne - Technical Director Chassis:
"Overall a very tight qualifying session. Having struggled this morning with grip levels and with the balance of his car, Olivier did a great job. I think he can be satisfied with his qualifying performance. He equals his best result of the season, which incidentally was in Bahrain, the other new circuit on this season's calendar, and also Indianapolis. Ricardo was happier in the free practice sessions this morning, but a mistake under braking into turn ten on his qualifying lap cost him several tenths-of-a-second. The car has been strong over the long runs and we are confident of our race pace. However, it would have been nice to have both cars starting from the top ten, which should have been possible today."

 

ITV Watch: Of course, it wasn’t shown live and the recording was broadcast at the most inconvenient time, ITV having plonked the programme to start bang in the middle of the afternoon. There was a big fuss about being in China naturally, but maybe they forgot to mention that the city of Shanghai is not representative of China as a whole. Ever the opportunists, they soon mentioned that Villeneuve is back in the Renault, using one of his laps to demonstrate the track…..they must have struggled to find a good one. They finally got around to explaining that JV was now driving for Renault and Jarno has gone to Toyota: no pictures of Jarno, but that was maybe because ITV didn’t bother to turn up at the Silverstone test to see either driver. A little discussion between Grim and Fony didn’t shed any new light on the reasons for the swap. A few driver interviews… the usual crowd, plus Jacques at least twice! Fernando featured twice too….anyone else thinks he looks ridiculous with that massive number 8 on his sunglasses? Another amusing sight …Jenson Button and the BAR boys in their retro looking 555 outfits especially for this GP. And a couple of positives……team radio is back! Or maybe it was Sky who had it, so it is only new to ITV. Also the new throttle/brake graphic is an interesting one….I suspect that this is because Bernie TV is doing this race and it’s nothing to do with ITV at all! 

 

25th September 2004

chinese gp. saturday practice.

The Toyota boys had 2 more good sessions in morning practice, preparing for qualifying and the race. In the first session Zonta was 7th quickest, with Panis P15. In comparison the Renaults were 10th (JV) and 13th. Fastest were the two Williams, closely followed by the 2 Ferraris. The only incident was DC’s bumpy trip across the grass. Top 6: R. Schumacher, Montoya, M.Schumacher, Barrichello, Fisichella, Raikkonen. 

Session 2 saw Zonta 9th and Panis 14th. Alonso was 11th and Villeneuve 15th. The Ferraris took both top slots with the Williams dropping down. Surprisingly few incidents again, with Villeneuve going off at turn 7 and Klien and Michael Schumacher running wide at turn 16. Top 6: M. Schumacher, Barrichello, Raikkonen, Button, Fisichella, Heidfeld.

 

24th September 2004

chinese gp. friday practice.

Friday practice went well for Jarno’s new team, Pannasonic Toyota Racing. In the first session at the new track, test driver Ryan Briscoe was 5th fastest, with the race drivers 10th (Zonta) and 13th (Panis). Fastest of all was Davidson in the BAR, followed by the 2 Williams drivers. Michael Schumacher was P15, even behind Villeneuve, Jarno’s replacement, who was 14th and had a spin 5 minutes before the end of the session. Alonso was 8th. Top 6: Davidson, R. Schumacher, Montoya, Massa, Briscoe, Button. 

In the second session, BAR were on top with Davidson and Button, although Sato unluckily lost an engine and set no time. The McLarens were next in the order. The Toyotas were a solid P9 (Zonta) and P10 (Panis), with Briscoe P11, all ahead of the Renaults of Alonso (13th) and Villeneuve (15th). Top 6: Davidson, Button, Raikkonen, Coulthard, Barrichello, Fisichella.

 

Jarno Leaves Renault

With effect from 7pm on 14th September 2004, Jarno Trulli is completely free from the Renault F1 Team. The team has agreed to all his financial and technical conditions and Jarno is free to test for his new team. Jarno has achieved the Monaco GP victory, a podium in Spain, and two pole positions at two of the most difficult circuits during this year, and is currently fourth in the WDC ahead of his team mate.  He is content with the decision to leave the Renault F1 Team and happy that his place will be taken by a former World Drivers Champion, Jacques Villeneuve. He wishes Jacques luck. Jarno thanks the Renault team for the opportunity to join his new team 3 months early.  See the first interview in a Toyota race suit below…….     

 

16th September 2004

toyota testing. the first interview.

Lunchtime:

Renault, the last two months…..

Jarno: I already felt before that something was going on… and actually I was always putting my side and there was the commitment, and for some reason we couldn’t achieve what we wanted in terms of results. After Monza, I had a call from Flavio, he was complaining that he was losing second position in the Constructors’ Championship….without thinking that I was losing fourth position in the drivers’ championship…. but in the end, I am a reasonable  person, we reached an agreement….they wanted to change the driver, I allowed them to change the driver…I am happy, I was released, so I can jump into my new car and start working for next year.

Impressions of the Toyota…..

JT: I must say that there are some very good positive things on this car, which I didn’t expect…..actually there are some other things which have to be improved, but I believe we all know there is some job to do, but the change of rules for next year also will help ourselves; and I think together with Ralf, we have an experienced and quick driver in Ralf, we can work very well together with the team to improve the car still.

Putting aside any chance of driving in a race this season for Toyota?

JT: Today, yes, because it’s only my first day of testing, so there is very little time for China, it would be very difficult…..but I think in Formula 1 anything is possible!

Would you like to?

JT: I don’t know, because the experience I have had so far of this car is so little, so even if I am tempted to do that ……because, you know, I want to show that my commitment has never changed from the beginning of the season…..a driver will always drive a quick car and do his best……but the circumstances are, we probably have to wait, and we’ll see.

Disappointed the way it has ended (with Renault)….?

JT: To be honest, in my best season I didn’t expect to finish off this way, especially with Renault, where I had an extremely good relationship with everybody inside the team. I don’t regret anything, I don’t want to blame anyone, because honestly talking, on my side I’ve always put the passion into the commitment, I was always motivated, I was fighting to achieve the third position in the drivers’ championship; I would have been really happy to leave Renault as the second force in the Constructors’ Championship, but for whatever reason, it didn’t work.

Are you relieved about the switch?

JT: Well, after the last few races, where anything I could do was anyway not enough, yes. But you have to understand that I’m not relieved because I left the team; I’m relieved because whatever I was doing was always wrong, or it was never enough, for whatever reason, so if we both couldn’t understand, in this case (it was better) to split up and not be blamed because they were losing the Constructors’ Championship.

 

At the end of the day……

Your comments….

JT: I enjoyed it! I must say I got quite quickly into the pace. It was a bit impressive despite the last few months…..but I really enjoyed my first day, everything was nice, I have found a car better than I thought, actually. No, there are a lot of good things, positive things, there are other aspects which are a bit more negative, which I think we can translate on next year’s car. Honestly talking, I am very happy.

Impressed with the engine?

JT: I was impressed about many things. I am not going to go through all I was impressed (with) or not, but for sure, there were many things I was very happy with. Some others we need to work on it, but in general, (I am) confident, especially for next year because we are focussing on analysing what’s wrong, what’s right, and try to do our best over the wintertime.

Comfort in the cockpit….

JT: Not too bad, even if when you sit down for the first time is always a bit difficult, always. But seat position is nearly there….a bit painful with the seat because it’s a bit small when we adjust it. Something to improve, but one day only. We didn’t have much time.

Work today was to….?

JT: Run! Most if it….long runs…..to try to understand the car, the way the tyres are working….problems ….positive side, negative side, reporting it to the team. That’s why I’ve done it, because anyway I’m not going to go to China.

That’s definite?

JT: I think so, because it’s one day only and is not going to be enough.

Not just to see the circuit….?

JT: Well, it is something we have to decide about that, but one day testing only is not enough.

What about Japan?

JT: We’ll see…in Formula One anything can happen. (Laughs). It’s all down to the confidence, which today I am tempted to say I would like to go to China, but I think it’s just too much of a risk in terms of if something goes wrong, you know, it’s not nice. I know there is a lot to do, I am ready to do a lot of work, but one day testing is really very little time. Even if I go to the limit… I got to the pace quite quickly… but the last bit is always the one you need and the one where the risk is.

Have you had time to think about what’s happened in the last few days?

JT: Well, all is pretty clear, something that they expected….or a lot of people expected, because anyway the performances (of the car) were not there anymore. Somehow it was just like a clock bomb!

Important not to stop but jump into a car straightaway?

JT: Oh yes, I knew I could do it. You know, the most important thing for me was to try to score points and be third in the championship, which didn’t happen, for many reasons….and so then when we reached the agreement, I want to drive, because I want to drive, I am committed, I am very motivated to do my job and just step in the other car and prove it.

When exactly in the season did you know you were heading to Toyota?

JT: Mid season, probably was already….. before Monaco, we had the first talk, afterwards we just carry on (with Toyota).

 

On his first day in his first test for his new team, Panasonic Toyota Racing, Jarno achieved a best lap time of 1:17.918, giving him P6 in the time sheets. That lap time compares favourably with the other drivers, just two tenths off Ralf’s time for Williams, and considerably faster than Renault’s Montagny, who clocked a 1:19.141. The second Toyota driver, Ryan Briscoe was just behind Franck with 1:19.159. Davidson was fastest overall with 1:17.406.

I would like to thank the Toyota team members at the test for being so nice and making us all feel so welcome. We feel at home already!

 

16th September 2004

Jarno confirmed at Toyota

Panasonic Toyota Racing announced early on Thursday that Jarno Trulli will drive for them next season.

Toyota said this year's Monaco Grand Prix winner had signed a two-year contract and would have his first test of the team's Formula One car at Silverstone later on Thursday.

Next year Jarno  will partner Germany's Ralf Schumacher, who is joining from Williams.

Tsutomu Tomita - Team Principal
"It is no secret that we have been speaking with Jarno Trulli for some time about the possibility for him to join Panasonic Toyota Racing, but contrary to recent reports, we have only finalised contractual details this week. Jarno has really shown his maturity and all-round talent this season, both in qualifying and in races, and we believe that he will be the perfect team-mate to Ralf at Toyota from next season. On that note, I would like to set the record straight early and stress that there are no driver orders at Toyota; Ralf and Jarno will have equal number one status with us. We are also looking forward to Ricardo staying with the team in 2005 as our Friday driver at races. Along with Olivier, Ricardo has demonstrated a strong commitment and motivation to the team over the last two years. I firmly believe that both Olivier and Ricardo will excel in test and development roles with Toyota. With Ralf, Jarno, Olivier and Ricardo, I think that Panasonic Toyota Racing will have one of the strongest driver line-ups in Formula 1 for next season."

 

14th September 2004

Jarno DOES leave early!

See first item on page.

 

13th September 2004

Jarno not leaving early

Rebutting current rumours that Jarno could leave the team early, a Renault spokesman said today: “The reports currently flying around the internet are pure speculation, and we strongly deny that any replacement will take place. As an aside, the fact that such reports mention Villeneuve possibly testing at Jerez, when the team is in fact running at Silverstone, is a good indication of the level of factual content they contain. We will test, as planned, with Alonso and Montagny at Silverstone , evaluating further performance developments prior to the final flyaway races of the year.”

 

12th September 2004

italian gp. race.

Ferrari gave the masterclass on how to win a race 1-2, even when one car starts the race on the wrong tyres and the other spins after a few laps and starts again from the back of the field. Even those who started on the right tyres and made no apparent mistakes finished behind them. It had rained heavily during the morning, stopping just before the race and leaving the drivers with difficult decisions regarding tyres. Barrichello led for the first few laps on intermediate wet tyres until he had to pit to change them. That left Alonso at the front, after he made up two places at the start. Later, Button led, but had to settle for third in the end. Alonso’s race finished with a rubbish Montoya-style spin in the chicane, which left Renault with no points and a drop to third in the CC, as Jarno struggled for speed on his way to 10th place. I’ll bet kicking that Armco hurt Fernando’s foot! Montoya seemed to disappear after his second stop, and Pizzonia attempted but failed to take out DC for 6th place. Coulthard had started on intermediate tyres but realised his mistake on the parade lap and pitted for new tyres and extra fuel, enabling him to make only one stop in the race. Raikkonen’s McLaren got sick early on and he retired on lap 14. Panis retired after being involved somehow in the Schumacher spin on lap 1. Zonta, in the second Toyota was 11th, behind Jarno. Massa was behind him having had to first change his tyres, then his nose after contact with Heidfeld. Minardi’s Bruni survived a spectacular fire as he was being refuelled, which gave him a scary minute as he tried to breathe….not because of the fire, but the fire extinguishers! He was fit enough to face the ITV cameras after the race though. Pantano retired his Jordan in the gravel trap, as Michael Schumacher relentlessly made his way through the field to second place. Top 8: Barrichello, Schumacher, Button, Sato, Montoya, Coulthard, Pizzonia, Fisichella. 

Renault F1 Team Press Release

Fernando spun out of third position while Jarno finished tenth in this afternoon's Italian Grand Prix

The Renault F1 Team leaves Monza this evening disappointed but also with renewed determination. The team failed to score any points in the Italian Grand Prix and lost second position in the Constructors' Championship, and Renault now lies three points behind BAR. However, the weekend gave reasons to be optimistic for the end of the championship: prior to spinning, Fernando Alonso was running third and keeping pace with the leading cars. On a circuit that was not expected to favour the Renault R24, this baseline level of performance is an encouraging sign for the next three races. The team will go to these final rounds of the championship determined to reclaim second in the championship.

Jarno Trulli, 10th:
"This was a very tough race for me. I struggled in the opening stages when the grip levels were low - I could not find a good pace and could not feel how the car was handling. As the circuit dried out, the handling improved slowly but the car was still difficult to drive. I was quick towards the end of my stints though, and particularly at the end of the race, but by then it was too late to make up any positions."

Fernando Alonso, retired (spin):
"The first thing to say is that we will bounce back from this result. Monza was the worst circuit of the year for our car but I was competitive and fighting with BAR. I hope the next Grand Prix will see us climb back up the table. As for the race itself, we made the right decision on tyres at the start, I made a good start and then everything went as normal. Jenson overtook me during the first round of pit-stops, but I was keeping up with him. My spin occurred when I took too much kerb in the second chicane and lost control of the rear end of the car but after that, I was surprised that the marshals decided not to push me, as the rules allow them to. But that's life: we now need to focus on the last three races to re-take second place in the championship."

Flavio Briatore, Managing Director:
"It was frustrating day for the entire team. Fernando was attacking a lot, driving on the limit and keeping up with Button. His speed was quite reassuring for us all. As for Jarno, it is unfortunate that he did not finish in the points. He was very quick at the end of the race and we do not understand why he did not have the same speed at the start. After fifteen races, our season will now come down to the last three rounds: our objective will be to close the gap to BAR."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:
"The race began very promisingly for us, after we made the correct tyre choice in the damp conditions and Fernando drove a very aggressive first stint during which he led the race. It was a shame to see him retire after spinning but that happens sometimes when a driver is taking risks and pushing to the limit. Jarno once again had a troubled race however our real reason for disappointment is that we have lost our championship position. The final three flyaway races will all be key races in determining the outcome of our season."

 

ITV Watch: Due to the weather in Monza, Grim had to rummage through his wardrobe to give the dodgy raincoat another airing. But wait….Fony Jardine seems to have been to the same tailors! His slightly more stylish jacket seems to be made of the same material! Maybe they got a discount. A few interviews…..Rubens, JPM, Michael, Fernando…….still no sign of an Italian at the Italian GP. Then there was the McLaren promotional film, including the big Kimi interview….the usual drone. Louise was allowed into DC’s ‘private area’. Ooo er, missus. There was a nice interview with Ollie Panis, because he is retiring from racing for Toyota, then more McLaren. Panic set in when Martin Brundle couldn’t find Rubens Barrichello on the grid. Rubinho must have forgotten the secret contract…or maybe ITV are behind with the payments. But luckily, the Brazilian appeared just in time for the obligatory interview. James Allen said he couldn’t comment on Jarno’s allegations against the team. Why not, James? You are a COMMENTATOR, that’s your job! After the race, they didn’t cut off the third driver in the press conference today, did they? I leave you to draw your own conclusions. Amazingly, the race winner Rubens didn’t dedicate his win to his baby or his teddy bear! ITV almost made it to the end without an Italian driver interview, but obviously felt obliged to check that Bruni was OK after his fire experience. Grim was full of praise for Jenson’s drive today, so maybe he’s back in Grim’s good books…..or maybe Grim really IS that fickle. Fernando talked round giving an actual excuse for his spin, but didn’t take the blame either. Then it was just left, at Grim’s request, for Ron Dennis to give the DC job reference! 

 

11th September 2004

italian gp. qualifying.

Montoya continued his good work, taking provisional pole with his team mate in second place. The teams came in two by two, as the BARs, McLarens and Ferraris all sat together on the timesheets. The Renaults were apart, Fernando P5 and Jarno P12. Heidfeld had a technical problem and failed to do a timed lap. Baumgartner had to take the T-car after the damage to his race car could not be repaired in time: he drops 10 places, as does Heidfeld, but we won’t notice. Top 6: Montoya, Pizzonia, Sato, Button, Alonso, Fisichella.

The second session was dominated by Barrichello’s lap, a clear half second ahead of P2, Montoya, We shall see how that strategy works tomorrow. Michael Schumacher was P3: we shall see how THAT strategy works tomorrow. Jarno, on a different strategy from Fernando was 9th to Fernando’s 4th place. Top 6: Barrichello, Montoya, Schumacher, Alonso, Sato, Button. 

Renault F1 Team Press Release

Fernando fourth and Jarno ninth in qualifying for tomorrow's Italian Grand Prix.

Free Practice 3:  JT 1:22.774, 9 laps
                            FA 1:21.705, 9 laps
Free Practice 4   JT 1:21.506, 8 laps
                            FA 1:20.773, 11 laps
Qualifying 1:        JT 1:21.011, P12
                              FA 1:20.341, P5
Qualifying 2:        JT 1:21.027, P9
                            FA 1:20.645, P4

Practice mileage
Trulli:
47 laps, 272km
Alonso:  48 laps, 278km

The Renault F1 Team achieved promising positions this afternoon during qualifying for tomorrow's Italian Grand Prix. As expected, the times were extremely close and behind pole-sitter Rubens Barrichello, just half a second covers the next nine cars on the grid. Fernando Alonso put his Renault R24 fourth on the grid, while Jarno Trulli will start from ninth having chosen a more conservative race strategy.

Fernando Alonso, 4th position:
"I am quite surprised to be fourth on the grid. We knew things would be very tight, and I managed to take advantage of that to get a place on the second row. The timed lap was quite difficult because the car was understeering in the first part of the lap, at the second chicane and the Lesmos, but then handling really well in the fast corners in the final sector. Overall, though, the balance of the car was good and I am pretty confident tomorrow. I think we can run an aggressive race and fight for a podium position as we had hoped."

Jarno Trulli, 9th position:
"I am really pleased with my qualifying performance. I pushed to the limit and managed to put in a good lap. I still do not feel completely comfortable with the car, and it was nervous and difficult to drive on the lap, so I took a lot of risks and they paid off. The car is quite competitive here and from what we have seen so far, we should be consistent on the longer runs. I will definitely be aiming for a good points finish tomorrow."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:
"At a circuit like Monza where overtaking is nearly impossible, it is important to be well positioned at the front of the field, and Fernando put in a strong performance to achieve exactly that. Unfortunately, Jarno was still not comfortable with the car balance after practice this morning, so we chose to go a more conservative route with his strategy, which explains the difference in the drivers' positions. We had predicted that the field would be very tight and the top ten are covered by just a second. Given how close everybody is, we were surprised to see Barrichello on pole by six tenths of a second, but we will have to wait for the race to understand what is going on."

Denis Chevrier, Engine Operations Manager:
"This was a pleasing qualifying result for the team. Fernando gave himself a solid starting point for the race, although Jarno seems to be less well-placed at the moment. On the engine side, we have experienced no problems at all and the weekend has run to plan. Looking ahead to tomorrow, there is still a question mark over the weather and, of course, our competitors' race strategies. If, as usual, the fuel loads only vary by several laps, then we will certainly have a good idea of exactly how quick everybody is after the first fifteen laps tomorrow."

 

ITV Watch: Are they trying to make us feel sorry for Jenson? Yet another interview where he tries to explain himself re the Williams/BAR debacle! He can rely on ITV! The team of the weekend is McLaren, so we have a tour of Factory Paragon accompanied by the same classical music as features in the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, just before the computer takes over the space ship. I wonder if that’s significant. This feature also allows us a cosy chat with Martin Brundle and DC! Then we have reality…… James gives DC’s lap the big build up……then there is the usual disappointment. He’s behind Jarno!  They never learn, do they? ITV actually cut off the third driver in the press conference, Michael Schumacher, to go to a Champions League programme advert!  No matter…they had the most important interviews ….Rubens fulfilling his secret ITV contract again almost immediately after his lap, DC, and Jenson. Yes, again. It’s the Italian GP and they haven’t talked to an Italian driver yet…..and there are 4 of them! Grim Rosenthal is not at his professional best today….first he tells us that JPM and Rubens love Monza when we know JPM doesn’t as James told us that earlier. One of them must be wrong, and Grim can’t have been listening to his colleague. But worse that that, Grim begins an interview with Patrick Head by saying Montoya was on pole! Not a man for statistics, hey? Pole, second, what’s the difference? We’ve experienced this before with Grim. Staying with the grinning ninny, he refers to Barrichello as ‘the likeable Brazilian.’ I sense a subtle change of allegiance now Jenson has a stain on his character…..

 

11th September 2004

italian gp. saturday practice.

There was a slow start to the day under cloudy skies, but Montoya was fastest in the first session, with Fernando second quickest. Schumacher was baulked by two cars as he was on a fast lap near the end of the session. Jarno was 12th. Top 6: Montoya, Alonso, Pizzonia, Barrichello, Sato, Schumacher.

Barrichello took P1 in the second session, with Montoya second. There was a big accident when Pantano spun after a mistake, taking out Baumgartner’s Minardi at high speed. Both drivers were OK. Fernando was 4th, Jarno 10th.

 

10th September 2004

italian gp. friday practice.

Ferrari lay down the gauntlet at Monza with a one two in first practice. No big problems for anyone, just the usual limit-finding. Fernando was 5th, Jarno 7th. Top 6: Schumacher, Barrichello, Davidson, Raikkonen, Alonso, Button.

The big incident in session two was a big crash for Pizzonia, still standing in for Ralf Schumacher, towards the end. Raikkonen was quickest, pushing the Ferraris down to P2 and P3. Top 6: Raikkonen, Barrichello, Schumacher, Button, Pizzonia, Sato. 

Renault F1 Team Press Release

Jarno and Fernando in the top ten after the first day of free practice at Monza.

JT,  R24-01 FA,  R24-02 Spare,  R24-03 Spare chassis,  R24-04

JT FP 1:  1:22.052, 11 laps, P7 FP 2:  1:22.191, 19 laps, P11
FA FP 1:  1:21.778, 10 laps, P5 FP 2:  1:21.630, 18 laps, P9

The Renault F1 Team completed a solid first day's work during free practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Three days of testing on this circuit last week saw the team collect a significant amount of data during 2000km of running, meaning today's programme was reduced relative to a normal Grand Prix weekend. Today's two practice sessions were therefore dedicated to tuning work, and as expected, produced an extremely tightly grouped set of times, with the two Renaults finishing amidst their direct competitors.

Fernando Alonso:
"It was a normal Friday for me: as usual, we had to evaluate the tyres and collect enough data in these conditions to make the right choice. In terms of set-up, we need to improve the car for tomorrow: the R24 lacks grip at the moment and it feels very slippery on the circuit. When you are running with low downforce levels like we do here, you need to be able to drive with precision and today I was struggling to find my braking points. The grip levels will improve during the weekend, which should help us, but we need to improve our baseline performance as well."

Jarno Trulli:
"I struggled to find a good balance today: the car was oversteering and the track conditions were not great, with low levels of grip. We have a few small problems to solve on the car for tomorrow and taking that into account, our performance is not too bad."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:
"Following our three days of testing at this circuit last week, we did not expect today's running to generate too many surprises - and that proved to be the case. Our day was devoted to making our tyre choice and this confirmed our initial conclusions from the test. The car balance is not perfect but that is normal for a Friday: both drivers have found the car unstable at the rear, which is understandable given the low levels of downforce here at Monza, and we will tune the set-up tomorrow to improve the handling. Overall, we completed a smooth, well-organised day."

Denis Chevrier, Engine Operations Manager:
"On the engine side, our work today was reduced significantly by last week's test session. Circuit-specific parameters such as oil levels, fuel consumption and cooling had already been calculated, which meant much of our normal Friday programme did not need to be run. Consequently, we spent the day fine-tuning the engine for the ambient conditions but overall, learned little new information. The two sessions proved the competition will be extremely close, as expected, and we find ourselves in our traditional Friday positions among the top ten runners. However, only eight tenths of a second cover the top nine cars, and we will need to continue to make progress tomorrow ahead of what we expect to be a very tight qualifying session."

 

9th September 2004

For Monza press conference, see Members page.

 

7th September 2004

italian gp. driver preview.

Jarno, you had a very difficult race in Spa: how do you bounce back from that?
I am sure things will go much better in Monza. When you have a result like Spa, you need to have the confidence in yourself to bounce back, and I do. This is my home race, so I will have a lot of supporters and that brings added motivation, not pressure. The team have responded brilliantly to build a completely new car for this race, so I just hope I can get back to a normal level of performance at this race.

When you are working on the set-up, what are the important areas?
The car is very light to drive: the downforce levels are extremely low, and that has an effect under braking and acceleration, not just in the corners. You have to brake very early compared to any other circuit, and the car is more nervous as well. We also have to get the right tyre choice, and find the right combination of consistency and performance. But overall, whatever areas we focus on, our aim is the same as at any other circuit: the find a good balance which gives the driver the confidence to push the car to the limit.

Finally, how competitive can the R24 be? The circuit has a lot of similarities to Montreal, where the team was very quick.
We have focused on obtaining a good car set-up during testing so that on the race weekend itself, we are ready to attack and run an aggressive weekend. Over the past two years, our car has suited Monza well, and we should have the baseline performance to fight for the podium. If we can put ourselves in that position, then anything can happen in the race, especially with the heavy braking into the chicanes and the potential for incidents.

 

3rd September 2004

monza test.

Fernando Alonso made it to the top of the time sheets at the end of the day. Jarno was 5th quickest. Button was P2. ahead of the two Williams.

Renault F1 Team Press Release

Jarno Trulli, 59 laps

Fernando Alonso, 100 laps

Jarno and Fernando complete the final day's work in Monza, concentrating on set-ups for the race.

Chassis programme:
Both drivers concentrated on set-up work throughout the day, making good improvements to the car's handling during both sessions.

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer:
"Our final day of testing at Monza was relatively trouble-free, with both drivers concentrating on set-up work ahead of next weekend's race. They have achieved a balance they are reasonably happy with, and this will provide a good starting point for them next Friday in free practice for the race. Overall, we have had a successful week, making our tyre choice for the Grand Prix and without experiencing any mechanical problems with the engines at all, which is an extremely encouraging sign."

 

2nd September 2004

monza test.

Williams were the fastest team today, in the shape of Pizzonia, closely followed by Raikkonen’s McLaren, pushing the Ferraris down to 3rd (Barrichello) and 7th (Schumacher). Alonso was P8, with Jarno 13th.

Renault F1 Team Press Release

Jarno and Fernando in action once again at Monza, concentrating primarily on tyre selection for the forthcoming Grand Prix.

Jarno Trulli, R24-07, 34 laps
Fernando Alonso, R24-05, 116 laps

Chassis programme:
Both drivers continued with set-up work ahead of the Grand Prix next weekend, and both were generally happy with the handling of the R24. Jarno experienced an off-track excursion early in the afternoon which saw him sustain minor damage to the chassis. This meant he completed just four laps during the afternoon.

Engine programme:
During the morning, Jarno ran a Monza-specification engine to full mileage without any incidents.

Tyre programme:
Jarno completed his tyre work during the morning session, while Fernando worked on tyres all day, conducting short, performance evaluation runs in the morning and longer runs focusing on consistency in the afternoon.

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer:
"We lost half a day with Jarno's car and while this means we have not completed as much running as we would have liked, it has not significantly hampered our work. Fernando completed an impressive number of laps and overall we progressed well with the tyre choice for next weekend. The car has been both reliable and competitive, which we hope to maintain on our final day tomorrow."

 

1st September 2004

monza test.

Fastest at Monza was Michael Schumacher as a cast of thousands appeared at Monza for the pre-Grand Prix test. All ten teams were in action at the Italian track. For Renault, Fernando was 6th fastest and Jarno 12th.

Renault F1 Team Press Release

Jarno and Fernando in action for the team on the first day of testing at Monza ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

Jarno Trulli, R24-05, 65 laps, 377 km
Fernando Alonso, R24-07, 110 laps, 637 km

Chassis programme:
Both drivers conducted set-up work for the forthcoming Grand Prix, making progressive improvements in the car's handling. The team was also monitoring brake wear, and experienced no problems in this area. However, both cars were delayed during the morning by minor electrical problems, which slightly disrupted both drivers' programmes.

Engine programme:
Both cars experienced a trouble-free day on the engine side, an encouraging sign given the severity of the circuit for engine reliability. The team also ran solutions to the oil leak problem experienced at Spa-Francorchamps last Sunday.

Tyre programme:
Both drivers completed the initial phase of the tyre selection programme, and will continue their work tomorrow to hone their choices for the Grand Prix.

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer:
"In spite of several small niggles during running this morning, we completed a successful first day of running at Monza. Both drivers quickly settled back in to running the car in its low-downforce configuration, and the Monza-specific aero package performed as expected. The engine reliability was encouraging, and we have made good progress with the tyre programme, giving us a solid base for continuing our work tomorrow."