Renault targets strong finish at Nurburgring

Renault technical director Mike Gascoyne thinks that the characteristics of the team's R23 chassis should suit the Nurburging, the site of this weekend's European Grand Prix, and is confident of another strong result as the squad chases third in the constructors' championship

Jun 24, 2003, 2:26 PM

The team salvaged a fourth place finish in the Canadian Grand Prix on a track that was not expected to suit Renault's current package, although Gascoyne is hopeful of a muich stronger showing in this weekend's race.

"Canada was an excellent performance, although we were disappointed not to get two cars to the finish," said Gascoyne. "Fernando [Alonso], in particular, was tremendously competitive at a track that we did not expect to suit our package, and it was very gratifying to finish just behind the leader. Canada was a good race for us, and the Nurburgring should suit the car even better.

"It's a high downforce circuit, and we already know the car is very efficient in that kind of configuration. But first of all, we have to make sure that we get two cars to the finish. If we do, then we expect two very competitive finishes, which will help us in achieving our main aim of claiming third place in the constructors' championship."