Skip to content

Although the rest of the paddock believes that Renault
ran a lighter fuel load than anyone else, the team is
confident for its prospects in the Malaysian Grand
Prix.

"We had an excellent qualifying session," said
technical director Mike Gascoyne. "It was very
exciting for the whole team. Both drivers were
absolutely perfect in their flying laps. We expected
our car to be more competitive here than two weeks ago
in Melbourne, but honestly we didn't go out thinking
of getting the pole. We are very pleased and confident
for tomorrow."

The team ran on the softer Michelin tyre, which could
be marginal in terms of wear and resistance to
blistering if the race is as hot as expected.
Traditionally it is a one-stop race. Ralf Schumacher
won with that strategy last year, but had he not
collided with Michael Schumacher in the first turn,
two-stopping Juan Pablo Montoya could have won. There
is speculation that Renault might even try three
stops.

"We are more than satisfied to have placed both cars
on the first row of the starting grid," said Renault
engine operations manager Denis Chevrier. "This result
confirms the good level of our performance and the
quality of our drivers and the excellent job the team
has done in recent weeks."