2007 US Grand Prix, Saturday - 16 JUN 2007
The ING Renault F1 Team concluded a successful qualifying
session on a promising note ahead of the 2007 United States
GP at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Giancarlo Fisichella, R27-05
Heikki Kovalainen, R27-03
Q1
1:13.498, P11
1:13.019, P6
Q2
1:12.603, P7
1:12.599, P6
Q3
1:13.953, P10
1:13.308, P6
After making steady improvements to the R27 throughout the
weekend, both drivers made it through to the third part of
qualifying for just the second time this season, in spite
of the extremely close times on a circuit where the total
lap-time is only just over 70 seconds. Heikki Kovalainen continued
a strong weekend by qualifying P6, his best grid position
to date in Formula 1, while team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella
will start from P10. Both drivers are optimistic of a strong
race tomorrow, as the R27 has performed consistently and competitively
over long runs on both types of Bridgestone Potenza tyre.
Heikki Kovalainen, P6
It was a good qualifying session for me, continuing a good
weekend so far. The car balance felt OK, the set-up is good
and I was comfortable on both types of tyre all the way through
qualifying. We have improved the car throughout the weekend,
and just had a normal weekend. I have always been confident
that things would start going better for me, and I haven't
made any mistakes or lost any track time here in Indy. When
that happens, you can push to the limit and get the maximum
from the car. That's what has made the difference compared
to last weekend, and now we have to focus on the race. We
will have a good strategy and the car is handling well. I'm
feeling confident.
Giancarlo Fisichella, P10
It was important to be in the top ten today, and to confirm
the progress we have made with the car. I had a clean lap
at the end of the second round of qualifying, and the pace
of the car was good. I was suffering from understeer on some
parts of the track during the weekend, but we made some changes
before qualifying and the balance was pretty good, the best
I have had so far this weekend. I am looking forward to tomorrow's
race, as the car has been consistent and quick all weekend.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering
As usual at this circuit, the times were extremely close in
qualifying – although in the third session, we can see
the field is split into two camps, separated by around half
a second. We are reasonably satisfied with our performance
today, the cars are running well, and both types of tyre look
good. I am sure we can have a strong race.
Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Track Operations
We made the most of our package today, and that is reflected
by having both cars in the top ten for the second time this
year. The car is performing well, as our positions in the
second round of qualifying reflected, and both drivers got
the maximum from the package all the way through the day.
There are two distinct groups in the top ten, and while it
will be difficult to fight with the cars in front, we seem
to be the quickest team among those behind. From the engine
side, we enjoyed a trouble-free day, and the cars are competitive
in terms of straightline speed, which will give both drivers
a good, raceable package. The most important thing tomorrow
will be to once again get the most from the car, and score
some important points for the championship.
|
