(Forgive me, but there doesn't seem to be a japaneese grand prix topic open yet, since the weekend is underway already, i hope you don't mind me opening one.)

Anyway, Heikki managed p12 in the first practice session at the Fuji Speedway but both Renaults were positively quick in the second session, Heikki with a 1:19.7 for P6 a tenth ahead of his team-mate.
Interestingly both BMW drivers seem to be struggling a bit setup-wise so far this weekend.

Here is what Heikki had to say:
Heikki Kovalainen: I am pretty happy after today's sessions. This was our first day at a new track, and I think we did a good job: we completed a lot of laps, there were no problems and the mechanics worked very well to get through the set-up changes in our programme.

"We made progress with the car all through the day, and I think that once we have gone through the data this evening, we will see that there is still a little bit more performance still to come. In terms of the track itself, I found it quite fun to drive. As we expected, it is very smooth so there are no big problems in terms of our comfort, but I think the key section is definitely the last five turns.

"They are very slow, and you are always tempted to over-drive this part of the lap. However, the car is very light on downforce because the speeds are low, so you have to be patient and really work hard on the mechanical grip and on being very smooth with the driving style. I think I got to grips with the circuit quickly, and I am looking forward to another competitive day tomorrow."

I think I also read that Heikki did his FP2 time on hard tyres, and Fisi did his on softs?

er... i'm not sure about that, just a quick fact for you though, according to ITV's James Allen, Renault got their simulations spot on and are fasteer than expected in Japan. He also reckons they can pip BMW for the 'best of the rest' title come quali and race day on sunday

maybe in dry conditions Renaults are good , but in the wet they are CRAP!!! If the race is wet, I don't think they could score... Please, Heikki, prove me wrong!

well, maybe you're right, here is what Heikki had to say starting from p12 on tomorrow's grid:
Heikki Kovalainen: The balance of the car was pretty good, and I did some good clean laps in difficult conditions, but the grip just wasn't there: the car was sliding on all four wheels in almost every corner. There's not much more to say, because our positions reflected our pace and we were not strong enough to get into the final part of qualifying. However, we know that we made some deliberate choices because the cars are now in parc ferme until the race, and hopefully they will pay off tomorrow.

I believe he means, (almot certainly), Renault ran with a dry setup - the dry setup they estimated so well before the weekend as i mentioned, so that's what tey are hoping for, but i would much prefer a wet race for entertainment but that will help honda and toro rosso get in front of Kovy and i don't want to see that at the end of the race of course!

*points to signature*

Two out of three ain't bad

Absolutely gutted for Mark though. Actually, gutted doesn't go anywhere near it. So close to 3 out of 3...

Maybe I'll come back later and give more thoughts on this action-packed race, but I'm having such mixed feelings at the moment. Awesome drive by Heikki to keep Kimi behind in the final laps though.

yes, absolutely wonderful drive from him wasn't it, first podium of 2007 for Renault - finally!

Mark was really upset, that would have been an amazing result but again it is not his day, he even swore on itv !

It's a Finn-Finn situation on the podium!
Never in Grand Prix racing history has this happened before!
This is amazing!

The great man from Suomussalmi, Kainuu's finest racing driver, did it!
Even though he had a dry race setup!


The race reminds me of San Marino Grand Prix 1991 in Imola... two Finns making history again... and the tv coverage hasn't improved much in 16 years.

Oh yeah, I'm like Flavio, I got the avatar... and I think the Big Boss Flav is going to make a long contract with Heikki now...

Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah!!!!! So very happy, was clutching a stick of my Finnish flag and almost broke it in the last 5 minutes ))))) Great result for the Finns, Heikki done the best with the situation he ended up in, so I'm very happy! He just couldn't keep quiet after the finish, could he? )))
Got to feel sorry for Vettel, but things happen in racing, especially in condition like today.. maybe in some respect Mark Webber was happy to stop, considering that he threw up in his helmet right before the start of the race, bless him...
I do hope Heikki and Renault have a HUGE party tonight Well done, Heikki!!! (guys, don't forget the guestbook on the web-site, lets give Heikki something to read after his return )

Amazing race, Heikki. Well done!

Can't wait next GP... I'm sure we'll see great positions also in next coming races!!!

CU, soon!!!

-Raine-

Oh my god i think the whole condo heard me screaming for kimi to back off. WWOOOOO HEIKKI WAS SUPERB! soo nice to see someone else on the podium for a change.

shame that mark didn't make it on the podium though.but poor vettel looked so miserable i doubt anyone could blame him. on the bright side, tonio managed to score a point for the team!!

bad luck for jenson. his luck is just getting from bad to worse. same for wurz.

the only bad thing about heikki finishing on the podium is that i suppose they will definitely be removing fisico from the team

ooooooooh I was screaming at the tv as well I'm sooo happy that he finally made it on the podium Now Flav really can't deny it anymore, Heikki needs a contract for next year!

Congrats Heikki! Go party!