Skip to main content

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Recommended for you

The new strengths Antonelli has shown in F1, 12 months on from 'reaching the bottom'

Formula 1
Belgian GP
The new strengths Antonelli has shown in F1, 12 months on from 'reaching the bottom'

How Estonia crowned Pajari as the WRC’s new flying Finn

Feature
WRC
Rally Estonia
How Estonia crowned Pajari as the WRC’s new flying Finn

What we can learn from Mercedes' floor after Russell's Belgian GP retirement

Formula 1
Belgian GP
What we can learn from Mercedes' floor after Russell's Belgian GP retirement

The important lesson Solberg put into practice in Estonia

WRC
Rally Estonia
The important lesson Solberg put into practice in Estonia

Wolff admits Mercedes has most powerful F1 engine – and Red Bull agrees – as ADUO returns to spotlight

Formula 1
Belgian GP
Wolff admits Mercedes has most powerful F1 engine – and Red Bull agrees – as ADUO returns to spotlight

Citroen Formula E team boss Cyril Blais dies aged 43

Formula E
Citroen Formula E team boss Cyril Blais dies aged 43

Belgian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2026

Formula 1
Belgian GP
Belgian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2026

Welcome to the jungle? When Formula 1.5 came to Spa

Feature
Formula 1
Belgian GP
Welcome to the jungle? When Formula 1.5 came to Spa

Turkey Saturday quotes: Renault

Heikki Kovalainen - 7th: "I needed a good qualifying session today, after failing to make it into the top ten in Hungary. We worked out the problems we had in Budapest, and we were more careful in our approach. That paid off because we were back on our normal pace

"The team has done a great job throughout the weekend to improve the car, and I want to thank my engineers and mechanics for all their hard work since Thursday. The balance was consistent, and we had a good level of performance on both types of tyre.

"Clearly, we are still some way off the top teams, but if we keep our heads down and carry on working, then we know we will get there. First priority, though, is tomorrow's race. I think we are in a good position, and the strategy is the right one. Hopefully we can consolidate our position, and try to race with the cars in front."

Giancarlo Fisichella - 10th: "This wasn't a brilliant session for me. I was struggling with the balance as it was quite windy and the car was understeering for a lot of the lap. In terms of competitiveness, we are in our usual position behind the top three teams.

"The conditions tomorrow will be extremely hot, and I am expecting a tough race. The target will be to out-race the cars immediately around us, and to try and make up some positions to get into the points."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: "Overall, it was a successful day for the team. We completed our technical programme this morning, working through a number of different set-up possibilities, and then put that knowledge to good use this afternoon. Given the fuel load we are carrying, I think we are in competitive grid positions.

"Both types of Bridgestone tyre performed well during qualifying, and the car balance is reasonable for what will be a long, hot race tomorrow afternoon."

Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Track Operations: "The final times from the second part of qualifying showed how competitive the field is behind the top three teams, and we achieved out potential today, by performing at the head of that group and putting both cars in the top ten.

"Looking ahead to tomorrow, both engines are performing strongly and are more than capable of withstanding the extremely high temperatures. The top three teams are clearly a step ahead of us, but we have the pace to maintain our current positions, and we will look to make the most of any unusual events at the front of the field to make up ground."

Previous article Kovalainen hopeful after strong showing
Next article Ralf baffled by qualifying problems

Top Comments