Renault Blame Drivers for Missing Out on Top Four

Renault's technical director Mike Gascoyne claimed driving errors cost the French squad a place in the second row of the grid at tomorrow's Australian Grand Prix.

"A very disappointing qualifying session today after our drivers made mistakes on their laps, costing us what should have been a possible second row position for both of them on the starting grid," said Gascoyne.

"Despite of that, we have been very quick all weekend, we believe we have a good strategy and I am confident we will be competitive for tomorrow's race."

Spaniard Fernando Alonso, making his return to racing after a year of testing with Renault, was the fastest of the two drivers from the French outfit. Alonso wound up 10th quickest, outqualifying Italian teammate Jarno Trulli, who finished down in 12th place.

"Overall I am satisfied with my very first qualifying session," said Alonso. "We do not know what fuel load the other teams had but we are quite happy with our choice of strategy. I am sure we will have an interesting race tomorrow and I am looking forward to it."