Formula One news

Alonso sets Renault up in sixth

It was a positive afternoon for the Renault team as Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet qualified in 6th and 12th places respectively for tomorrow's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. 

"I am satisfied," said Alonso. "We know that in normal conditions it's very difficult to finish in the top four and that to finish in fifth or sixth place is a good result. So that means that we have done a solid job today. We now have a real chance to get a strong result tomorrow, which is important for the championship. I'm quite confident."

Nelson Piquet commented, "I'm disappointed not to make Q3 as I was in a position to be able to do that. I was on the pace, but my final run in Q2 just wasn't enough to get me through to the top ten. I am now going to work with my engineers to be well prepared for the race tomorrow, and I will do my best to progress in the race and aim to finish in the points."

Engineering director Pat Symonds added, "Our optimism from yesterday was fulfilled in qualifying with a very competitive session from Fernando. Nelson also looked strong, but he missed reaching the final part of qualifying by a very small margin. Spa normally produces good race and we look forward to it tomorrow."

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