Renault lacking balance

For the first time this season, Renault failed to reach Q3 of a qualifying session yesterday in Hungary. Daniel Ricciardo failed in eleventh place, a little more than a tenth behind Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri), last qualified for Q3, when Esteban Ocon ranks fourteenth, less than a tenth behind his teammate, while being ahead of the surprising Williams by George Russell.

A result below the hopes of the diamond firm, which had placed its two drivers in the top 10 of the first free practice session on Friday. Regression ? “I don’t think we were slower than yesterday, analyzes Daniel Ricciardo. It was more the others who found a little more performance”

His teammate, however, reported less good sensations than the day before.  “I wasn't happy with the balance and the car was a bit tricky. » admits Ocon.

An observation shared by its sports director, Alan Permanente. “ Today we had a little trouble with the grip of the tires, their warming up and the general balance. One of the fundamental principles here is placing the tires in the correct window to maximize grip across the entire lap. I think that's where we fished. »

However, if the race takes place in the dry this Sunday, Ricciardo's eleventh place will allow him to choose his tire fitment. “It can be very important here, and we will look to exploit this asset, comments the Australian. There are clearly points to be sought. »

In the event of rain, however, everyone will be equal in the choice of tires. “We know we will have a good chance if it rains” positive Esteban Ocon. On a circuit where overtaking is rare, strategy will in any case prove essential.