Renault team boss Flavio Briatore has described young Spaniard Fernando Alonso’s fourth-placed finish in Canada as “incredible”.
Renault team boss Flavio Briatore has described young Spaniard Fernando Alonso’s fourth-placed finish in Canada as “incredible”.
On Saturday, the Spaniard surprised many by claiming the fourth spot on the grid in what is widely regarded as a relatively underpowered car. And on Sunday, he briefly led the Canadian Grand Prix and set the fastest time of the race.
It was thought after his qualifying performance that Renault was running on a light fuel load. But the first round of pit stops confirmed Alonso was on a similar load to most of the top runners.
Briatore said: “To finish just barely two seconds from the winner is an incredible result for. We had good pit stops and the team, both on the engine and the chassis sides, did a fantastic job.
Alonso maintains his third spot in the championship behind new leader Michael Schumacher and second-placed man Kimi Raikkonen.
“I’m happy with the result, especially because I finished the race in the leading. For the first time this year, we were really fighting for the win, and it was a good feeling,” the Spaniard said.
“I lost some time during my first stint, but managed to catch it up again at the end, even though I could not get past the cars in front,” he added. “It has been a very positive weekend. We go to the next race in a strong position in the constructors’ and the drivers’ championships.”
