Quantum leap for Renault
The Renault team is suddenly excited about its Brazilian Grand Prix prospects after Jenson Button and Jarno Trulli finished the final session of free practice third and fourth respectively
Button's time was just 0.14s adrift of Ralf Schumacher's 1m13.543s session-topping best for Williams-BMW and Trulli was just 0.02s slower than his team mate.
For a few moments Button topped the session before Schumacher Jr and David Coulthard improved, and Renault team manager Steve Nielsen said: "We had to dust off the old 'P1' in the box - we haven't needed it for a while!"
The new wide-angle Renault V10 is not yet believed to be up there with the most powerful of the F1 power units, so the pace of the cars has surprised some observers at a circuit where engine power is a significant part of the equation.
Michelin-shod cars took the first four places, however, and Nielsen confirmed: "The Michelin is absolutely fantastic here. We're very positive because neither car was completely empty of fuel in that session and we should have a little bit more to come. It's looking good."
Share Or Save This Story
You Ask The Questions: Robert Kubica
Eight shock Formula 1 team principal changes
The key moments in Renault's F1 history as it bids farewell
The not-so-obvious chance Leclerc missed to usurp Verstappen
Cheshire cats de la Roche and Musgrave grin after Silverstone Historic F3 thrillers
Dramatic Mini fight goes to the wire as Ovenden wins title by a point at Brands Hatch
How Ingram made his mark on the 2026 BTCC campaign – before going out with a bang
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments