Renault poised for points

"We did not start the weekend in the best shape," said technical director Pat Symonds. "But a lot of effort by the whole team, including the drivers, has brought us to a much more competitive position.

"Bearing in mind the strategy we have chosen, and the good performance of our Michelin tyres, we feel we will have a hard but rewarding race tomorrow."

It was Jarno Trulli who found the little bit extra in the car to land on the third row. The Italian looked pleased with his efforts and those of his mechanics. "We have worked hard since yesterday morning because then we had neither balance nor performance," he said. "Our position is definitely promising and now I hope the race will be good to us tomorrow."

Young Spanish hotshoe Fernando Alonso was typically down to earth, finishing just a second off the pole time. "It was a good run for me," he said. "There were no mistakes, although the balance still wasn't perfect. I haven't had any problems all day and I'm just glad to be starting in the top ten."

The team is supposed to have more power this weekend, from an upgraded 'E-spec' engine. The development is rumoured to be worth up to 0.2s a lap.