Fernando Alonso delighted home fans with an inspired drive for Renault on Sunday, but team-mate Jarno Trulli would probably prefer to forget the 2003 Spanish Grand Prix…
Fernando Alonso delighted home fans with an inspired drive for Renault on Sunday, but team-mate Jarno Trulli would probably prefer to forget the 2003 Spanish Grand Prix…
The young Spaniard’s second place finish at the Circuit de Catalunya was Renault’s best result since the French manufacturer took control of the Benetton team in 2001.
In contrast, Trulli’s chances of a top result evaporated when his car was pushed off the track at the second corner of Lap 1.
“It’s a victory for the whole team,” team boss Flavio Briatore said after the race. “Fernando did an excellent job. I think our strategy was perfect, but it’s a shame that Jarno was pushed out by (McLaren-Mercedes driver David) Coulthard because he was very competitive all weekend and would have had a strong race.”
“This is the best day of my life and I feel that I’m dreaming. It’s hard to describe what I felt on that final lap with all the flags and the crowds cheering me on,” an elated Alonso said.
“I had a good start to the race and I could count on a very good strategy and excellent pitstops. It’s fantastic to have scored points at all the races so far this year and I hope to continue to do so,” he added
Trulli was the only one in the Renault camp with a long face on Sunday evening: “I had a good start and was making my way smoothly, keeping on my line when, at the second corner, I saw Coulthard cutting right through from the outside.
“He (Coulthard) hit me and I was out. This was a real shame as I know that this could have been an excellent race for me,” the Italian said.
