Proud to be Renault

Everyone at the Renault F1 Team is very proud to be part of the team. Especially after the great performance of Alonso and the team this year. The topmen of Renault comment the new world champion, Patrick Faure and Bob Bell.

Patrick, what are you feeling today?
"I am relieved. It felt like a very, very long race. I think I went through the longest 90 minutes of my life! I am also pleased because this is the first title for a 100% Renault car. And we did it against tough opposition. Also, it’s a real pleasure to see Fernando crowned as the youngest champion in history. It fits Renault’s image, which is all about human warmth and youth. I have been in charge of Renault’s F1 operations for 21 years, and we have now won everything during this period."

Is it important to be the first people to break Michael Schumacher’s reign?
"Yes. It is nice, because I think we are seeing a year of transition between the Schumacher era and a new generation of drivers. Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen are the stars of the future."

Finally, what do you think of the Alonso phenomenon?
"The boy just amazes me. He Is exceptional. When Flavio Briatore mentioned him to me for the first time four or five years ago, he mentioned some exceptional qualities: aggression and consistency. Fernando showed he had them when he arrived at Renault. This year, he has added another string to his bow. He has shown he is a subtle strategic thinker, and a mature guy. He knows how to attack, to start from the front and win a race. He knows how to defend his position like in Imola. He also knows how to manage a situation, and not go for broke when his car isn’t good enough to run at the front. And he is only 24! We are witnessing the blossoming of an exceptional talent."

Interview with Bob Bell, Chassis Technical Director

Bob, what do you feel after Fernando’s performance today?
"We are all thrilled. Although we had a solid lead in the drivers’ championship, we weren’t being over confident at all before the race. We knew we had to stay focused and make no mistakes. To be honest, it was more tense than usual in the garage. But in the end, it was a nice Grand Prix to watch."

How did the cars perform?
"We never found the right balance all the way through the weekend. Neither driver was really happy with the car’s handling, and we didn’t manage to completely get rid of the problem. However, the chassis and engine developments we brought to Brazil were very valuable. We have certainly reduced the gap to McLaren."

What does this title mean in your eyes?
"It means a lot, because the whole team has worked very, very hard to get this result this year. It is a real reward. I am proud of all the guys at Enstone who have given 100% for months, without lifting off. We are the first team to put an end to Michael Schumacher’s reign, and that is even more exceptional for a team that has only been around for four years. What’s more, Fernando is the youngest champion in history – there are plenty of reasons to be pleased this evening! On the other hand, we have lost the constructors’ lead, but we are only two points behind McLaren, with two races left to run. It’s not an impossible task, and we are determined to get that lead back."