“This also shows we are up against some very strong opponents, and we will have to do everything perfectly if we want to get a good result. All the signs point to this, but that’s never enough – you also need reliability, the team and drivers concentrating fully and a good strategy.”
Luca Baldisserri [Ferrari – technical director]:
“This was an incredibly close fight. Once again it demonstrated that you have to pay close attention to the smallest detail if you aspire to the top places, especially in qualifying. From what we have seen, for the race we can run at a good pace over a distance, and we will try and make the most of our grid positions.
“The crucial elements will be the same as ever – the start, the strategy, reliability and tyre performance. Our mood of cautious optimism from yesterday remains the same today.”
Pat Symonds [Renault – executive director of engineering]:
“A great result today, which vindicates all the hard work that has gone on back at base in the first few months of the year. It’s great to see both cars in the top ten, and Fernando’s position at his home circuit is particularly welcome.
“Let’s not forget the great job that Nelson has done, though – he’s been with Fernando all the way through the weekend and makes it a great team result.”
Denis Chevrier [Renault – head of engine track operations]:
“We now have a better idea of our performance relative to the other teams, and the result is one that the team can be satisfied with. We knew as early as the start of the session that Fernando was in a position to get the most from his car, and we worked hard to give him a car that would match his talent. There is still a lot we need to do to progress, but this is already a first step and that is encouraging.
