Mixed Fortunes for Renault Drivers

Italian Jarno Trulli was pleased after finishing in fourth position at the United States Grand Prix, in which the Renault driver had started from the back of the grid.

"I made the most of the start to gain lots of positions, then we brought my first stop forward during the second safety car period, a move that paid off later in the race," explained Trulli, who had failed to set a time in qualifying.

"I pushed all the way, but Sato was catching me during the last stint - I was really on the limit, and the lap before he overtook me, I went off. Then, there were flags in the banking because of oil on the track so I lifted, and he passed me into the first corner.

"Of course, I am slightly disappointed to not finish on the podium, but when you look at where I started, this is a very good result."

Spaniard Fernando Alonso, also in a Renault, crashed out of the race on the start-finish straight. Alonso's rear right tyre blew as he approached the first corner, pitching his car nose first into the wall and demolishing advertising hoardings in the run-off.

"I got a fantastic start; I braked very late into the first corner because I knew it would be one of the only chances to overtake," said the Spaniard.

"As for the accident, it is difficult to explain because everything happened so fast, but I think it was a puncture. I lost the chance of a podium today."