Renault F1 takes 1-2 in round 2 and rockets to championship favoritism

If the reliability had been there though, the Williams boys looked capable of getting solidly into the points despite both of them getting gazumped by Fernando Alonso in the first corner who drove around the outside.

“My start wasn’t too bad”, said Webber, “but Fernando’s was phenomenal. “

“He closed up really quickly from behind me and passed me. This was a shame because it prevented us from running at our own pace. The hydraulic problem came on as I was on the start-finish line. My engineers confirmed it was terminal, so we had to stop. I am off to Australia tonight and I am really looking forward to seeing my family that I haven’t seen for a long time, so naturally I’m looking forward to my home race in a fortnight.” Juan Pablo started the race from fifth position and retained that place at the end of the opening lap. Kimi started sixth on the grid and was hit from behind by Christian Klien (Red Bull Racing) at turn 5. With a broken rear suspension the Finn pirouetted into the barrier and retired.

Juan Pablo Montoya took the chequered flag 39.3sec behind race winner Giancarlo Fisichella.

Williams was not happy with the events of the first lap, as Team Principal Ron Dennis explained: “Kimi being taken out in the first lap and Juan Pablo's first stint tyre graining problems masked our true competitiveness. We also had to sacrifice some downforce to improve the cooling efficiency of the car. The whole team is looking forward to the scheduled improvements to both the car and engine, which should make us even more competitive in two weeks time. Unlike many teams, we have enjoyed good engine reliability which also supports our positive expectations for Melbourne.”

Montoya was also happy: “The car was good today and I think we had a solid race. We lost a lot of time in the first stint as my front tyres were graining, but as soon as we changed the tyres the car came back to life and if you look at my pace against Jenson Button later on it was pretty much the same. With the hot temperatures here we did have to look after the engine, which means that we had to sacrifice downforce, so finishing fourth is encouraging. We have scored some more points for the team and I think we look strong going into the next race.”

World Championship hopeful Räikkönen lost ground to all of his major rivals on the day: “I am very disappointed because I had a great car set-up and very good race strategy. I think it was fairly obvious that Christian Klien made a pretty fundamental mistake and ran into the back of me at turn five, breaking my rear suspension in the process. A positive side, the team has had good race reliability in the first two races and I am already looking forward to Melbourne in two weeks."

Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “Kimi was pushed out in the opening lap and we missed him a lot in this race. Our reliability was there and Juan Pablo drove a solid race. I would like to thank everybody in the team in Woking, Brixworth and Stuttgart for all their efforts over the last busy month to create this level. Our engines ran fine in both races within a week's time. We have a solid basis, however we definitely want to do better and we will continue to work hard."

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