Nick Heidfeld surprised after both R31s fail in Malaysian Grand Prix FP1 – Formula 1 news
Renault drivers Nick Heidfeld and Vitaly Petrov suffered reliability problems in the first Free Practice session of the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix to be held at the Sepang circuit.
Both Heidfeld and Petrov managed 10 laps collectively and suffered major mechanical problems. Heidfeld commented that Both R31s faced different reliability issues which are a big concern for the team after having a successful Melbourne Grand Prix.
Heidfeld took his car out in the opening session and did only six laps before his car faced a front tyre locking problem. Heidfeld damaged his car’s floor and front tyres and was forced to pit early in the session. The big concern for the Renault team was
the brake failure of Vitaly Petrov’s car, who was the podium finisher in the opening Grand Prix in Australia. Petrov only did 4 laps before he accidentally went off road into the gravel and damaged the car severely. Petrov reported that his car was facing
brake and suspension failure problems.
Heidfeld however, said that both R31’s faced different problems. “Whether Vitaly and I had the same problem, I don't know. We have a few ideas already of course but we haven't had anything like this in testing so we're a bit surprised.”
Heidfeld already is facing a lack of pace and reliability issues as he was supposed to be the senior driver in the team after Robert Kubica was left out.
Heidfeld did not have a great start to the Melbourne Grand Prix as he was not able to qualify for the Q2 and started the race in 18th position. Although he finished 12th in Melbourne but was outpaced by the rookie teammate Petrov who
finished on the third step of the podium. Talking about the Melbourne Grand Prix, the German said, “It was a difficult weekend.”
Heidfeld expressed his feelings about the Malaysian Grand Prix and said, “It would have been nice to race immediately the following weekend, but I used the time to train and have a positive attitude going into this weekend.”
The FP2 will start later on Friday and it is still unknown whether both R31’s will be ready by then.
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