Renault Drivers Pleased with Strong Result

Spaniard Fernando Alonso was pleased with his fourth position at today's San Marino Grand Prix at the Imola circuit.

"A very good result after a tough race for me," said Alonso, who has finished all the races in the points this season.

"I made a bad start, the car just lacked traction, and then Coulthard almost took me out at the first corner: some parts actually hit my helmet! I lost too many places to be able to fight with the leaders, so I followed the cars in front and made the most of my opportunities around the stops to pass them; the car was a little bit nervous, but I still managed to push."

The Renault driver clashed with German Ralf Schumacher during the final stages of the race while the duo were battling for fourth place. Alonso and Schumacher made contact and the Williams driver was sent into a spin that cost him several places.

Alonso made clear he thought Schumacher was to blame.

"As for the incident with Ralf, from where I was sat he just closed the door on me, but fortunately it didn't damage the car," he said. "Overall, I am pleased to have finished fourth at this track, and happy we have maintained our position in the Championship."

Italian Jarno Trulli's fifth place helped Renault keep second place in the Constructors' Championship.

"I am more than pleased with this result: I started ninth, and managed to make up four places at a circuit where it is very hard to overtake, as well as keeping one of the Ferraris behind me," he said. "I think the result is in line with what we had expected, and once again, we take home a good number of points for the championship."