The Enstone-based team have fitted Alonso's R29 with an interim version of the double diffuser ahead of the 3rd practice session last Saturday, leading to an impressive 2nd place performance in the qualifying session. Although admitting frustration for not being able to turn his front row grid advantage into a good race finish – due to the rain – Alonso looks determined to take advantage of Renault's latest updates in Bahrain.
The Spaniard has won two times in Bahrain in the past, both times driving for Renault (2005 and 2006).
“To qualify on the front row showed the progress we’ve made and it was a boost for the whole team. Unfortunately I started the race light on fuel and I made my first stop under the safety car, which pretty much ended my race as I went from the front row to the back of the pack. It was just one of those days when the decisions we took didn’t go our way,” said Alonso in a preview for the Bahrain GP.
“It’s still an early stage in the year and already the team has made incredible progress, which gives me the belief that we can still fight for the championship. We will have more updates when we get back to Europe, but at this stage in the year it’s important that we score as many points as possible at each race so we can be in the fight at the end of the season,” added the 2-time world champion.
Following the improved performances of Alonso's car in China, Renault are to fit Nelson Piquet's R29 with the same double diffuser in Bahrain.
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