Heikki Kovalainen

Reemz27 · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 1:11 pm Post subject: Renault Roadshow in Sao Paulo

Quote:

After Johannesburg, Kiev, Lisbon and most recently New Delhi, Renault visited Brazil at the weekend for the final Roadshow of their 2008 programme. More than 100,000 fans turned out to watch the Sao Paulo demonstration, which took place on a temporary circuit at the city’s Ibirapuera Park.

The French team’s recently confirmed 2009 race driver, Nelson Piquet, took charge of the R27 for the event, delighting the spectators with a series of donuts and burnouts, as he put the car through its paces.

"I'm really happy to have been able to do this demonstration here in Brazil,” said Piquet. “The atmosphere was very special and I hope that my compatriots enjoyed the event as much as I did. These Roadshows give a rare chance for fans that follow the sport to see and hear an F1 car up close."

The 1.1-kilometre circuit also took in the Pedro Alvares Cabral Avenue, which saw the Renault run past the striking Das Bandeiras monument.
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/12/8747.html

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LogicPro · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 3:06 pm Post subject:

In my opinion Renault brought so many new elements during the second half of '08 that they will have to work hard during this winter (as McLaren and Ferrari...but they had a reason: fighting for the world championship).

I expect McLaren and BMW to challenge for the first races of 2009, and maybe Ferrari and Renault joining them after 5 or 6 races.

Even Vettel, if Red Bull gives him a decent car, can fight for podium positions...and I expect Honda and Force India to score some points more.

So maybe Renault will win 2 or 3 races with Fernando...but it would be hard to fight for the championship. (constructor's championship will be even more difficult, with Piquet, who is not able to bring so many points)

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"Ayrton Senna was an extraordinary racing driver. His skills, craft, subtlety and courage were of such magnitude that he dwarfed his generation of drivers."
Ron Dennis