Renault Hoping for Dry Saturday

The Renault Formula One team are hoping for a dry qualifying session on Saturday after the French squad's progress was hampered by a heavy rain in Friday's practice.

Briton Jenson Button was the quickest of the Renault drivers, posting the ninth quickest time of the session, while teammate Jarno Trulli struggled with the set-up of his Michelin-shod car, finishing down in a disappointing 16th position.

"A useful day for us which allowed us to evaluate the three different types of wet tyre," said technical director Mike Gascoyne. "Jarno had a few problems with set-up, and both drivers suffered from understeer as the track dried.

"Overall, it was useful to be able to conduct these evaluations, but we are hoping for dry conditions tomorrow."

The Renault car incorporated a new aerodynamic package today, but due to the lack of dry running, it was impossible for them to evaluate it, and Button said he was also looking forward to a dry day.

"We had a good morning, but it tailed off a little during the afternoon," said Button. "It's a shame to be ninth, but we need to finish our work from today in case it rains later in the weekend.

"In terms of the aero package, it was hard to judge in these conditions. We need to wait for the sun to come out."