Renault Drivers Thwarted by Lack of Grip

The Renault team endured a torrid first day of practice for the German Grand Prix, with both their drivers finishing near the bottom of the timesheets as their Michelin-shod R202 car struggled for grip around the Hockenheim circuit.

"A difficult day for the team, during which we struggled to find grip and a good balance," said head of engineering Pat Symonds. "We were troubled by understeer, and have a lot to do in order to resolve the situation. However, in terms of positives, the tyre choice proved fairly obvious."

Jenson Button, who gave Renault a point in their home race last Sunday when he finished in sixth place, was the quickest of the French squad's drivers, posting a disappointing 19th quickest time.

Teammate Jarno Trulli finished right behind Button in 20th position, the Italian making a costly mistake in the afternoon that saw him ending up on the gravel, thus losing a lot of valuable track time.

"It's very simple: I made a mistake at Turn 13 on my first run this afternoon, and spun," he explained. "It's a shame that I managed to find one of the few gravel traps still left here.

"In terms of the new layout, it's not very exciting, just a question of braking, turning and accelerating."