2007 Turkish GP, Sunday
The ING Renault F1 Team enjoyed a strong performance during
the 2007 Turkish Grand Prix.
After frustrating races at the European and Hungarian Grands
Prix, the drivers demonstrated the worth of recent developments
to the R27 by putting in consistent, competitive drives over
the 58 lap distance. Both cars ran two-stop strategies, and
ran longer than their rivals in the opening stint which allowed
them to gain positions.
By the chequered flag, Heikki Kovalainen had out-performed
the BMW of Robert Kubica and was closing down the McLaren
of Lewis Hamilton, while Giancarlo Fisichella put in a strong
drive and would have scored points were it not for a first-corner
incident that cost him time and track position. Nevertheless,
the race marked a welcome return to form for the ING Renault
F1 Team, and we will be hoping for further improvements in
two weeks' time at the Italian Grand Prix.
Heikki Kovalainen, 6th position
This was a really good race for me. The start was quite exciting,
as Heidfeld pushed me very wide on the run to the first corner,
and I had to back off quite a lot. But I defended my position
aggressively and once the tyres started working properly after
a few laps, the car balance was stable and the pace was consistent.
Both types of tyre worked well on our car today, although
it felt a little more comfortable in the final laps on the
softer one. The team did a great job with the pit-stops, and
the strategy was spot on. Ever since Nürburgring when
we introduced some new developments, we have been looking
for the chance to prove they were a step forward, and I think
this race has done that. Now, we need to get our heads down
and try to make another step at Monza.
Giancarlo Fisichella, 9th position
My race was compromised by what happened at the first corner.
Jarno braked very suddenly in front of me, I had nowhere to
go and ended up hitting him, which cost me positions and made
him spin. That ruined his race, and I am sorry, but it also
cost me the chance of finishing in the points. After that,
it was tough: I just had to drive flat out, and hope for retirements.
Unfortunately that didn't happen, but the pace of the car
was not too bad.
Flavio Briatore, Managing Director
It was a very good performance from Heikki, and a shame for
Fisico because the car was good today. This is the first race
in a long time where we have been competitive with BMW, and
it felt like we were back racing properly again. There were
no mistakes this afternoon, and the team did a very strong
job all weekend. We can go to Monza and Spa feeling more optimistic
after this performance.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering
After the disappointment of the last two races, it was great
to see some concrete evidence of the recent improvements we
have made to the car. Both cars performed strongly throughout
the race, and Heikki's position was a just reward for a very
good drive. There is no doubt that without his collision at
the first corner, Giancarlo would have been right with him.
All in all, this result was a promising reward for all the
hard work that the team has done in recent weeks, and it once
again demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction.
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