2007 Turkish Grand Prix, Saturday
The ING Renault F1 Team enjoyed its best qualifying session
since last month's British Grand Prix, this afternoon in Istanbul.
Giancarlo Fisichella, R27-05
Heikki Kovalainen, R27-03
Q1
1:28.313, P10
1:28.127, P7
Q2
1:27.880, P10
1:27.784, P8
Q3
1:29.322, P10
1:28.491, P7
After making steady progress improving the car's handling
balance during the weekend's three practice sessions, both
drivers qualified in the top ten for the first time since
Silverstone, confirming the progress made by the R27 in recent
weeks. The latest developments were designed to improve the
car's consistency and driveability over a full race distance,
and the team is optimistic that both drivers will be able
to demonstrate this tomorrow, running competitive strategies
from their respective grid positions.
Heikki Kovalainen, P7
I needed a good qualifying session today, after failing to
make it into the top ten in Hungary. We worked out the problems
we had in Budapest, and we were more careful in our approach.
That paid off because we were back on our normal pace. The
team has done a great job throughout the weekend to improve
the car, and I want to thank my engineers and mechanics for
all their hard work since Thursday. The balance was consistent,
and we had a good level of performance on both types of tyre.
Clearly, we are still some way off the top teams, but if we
keep our heads down and carry on working, then we know we
will get there. First priority, though, is tomorrow's race.
I think we are in a good position, and the strategy is the
right one. Hopefully we can consolidate our position, and
try to race with the cars in front.
Giancarlo Fisichella, P10
This wasn't a brilliant session for me. I was struggling with
the balance as it was quite windy and the car was understeering
for a lot of the lap. In terms of competitiveness, we are
in our usual position behind the top three teams. The conditions
tomorrow will be extremely hot, and I am expecting a tough
race. The target will be to out-race the cars immediately
around us, and to try and make up some positions to get into
the points.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering
Overall, it was a successful day for the team. We completed
our technical programme this morning, working through a number
of different set-up possibilities, and then put that knowledge
to good use this afternoon. Given the fuel load we are carrying,
I think we are in competitive grid positions. Both types of
Bridgestone tyre performed well during qualifying, and the
car balance is reasonable for what will be a long, hot race
tomorrow afternoon.
Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Track Operations
The final times from the second part of qualifying showed
how competitive the field is behind the top three teams, and
we achieved out potential today, by performing at the head
of that group and putting both cars in the top ten. Looking
ahead to tomorrow, both engines are performing strongly and
are more than capable of withstanding the extremely high temperatures.
The top three teams are clearly a step ahead of us, but we
have the pace to maintain our current positions, and we will
look to make the most of any unusual events at the front of
the field to make up ground.
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