Source: Renault Sport Media

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Sainz happy with one point in Japan: Best we could do

Sainz happy with one point in Japan: "Best we could do"

08-10-2018 15:08
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Nicolás Quarles van Ufford

Departing Renault driver Carlos Sainz Junior was happy with his result in Japan on Sunday as the Spaniard picked up a single point after starting in P13, and he said he had good fun while doing so.

The Spaniard made a late move on Pierre Gasly to move into the points, breaking the hearts of the Japanese fans who were expecting the Honda-powered Toro Rosso's to finish with at least one point.

Sainz even found himself all the way in sixth after a very long first stint on his tyres. He rejoined the race back in P13, but some nice overtakes and good driving brought him into the points, proving that Renault's tactics for the day were effective.

"It was good fun out there today and a very positive race from the team," Sainz told F1 Paddock Pass in the media pen.

"We made a decent start to be on the brink of the points and then we had to do some overtaking at the end.

"For us, a point here is the best we could achieve starting from P13, so that’s a very strong result for us.

"The team executed everything very well; the strategy, the pit-stop, it all worked.

"We knew we were up against it this weekend, so it’s great value to score and now we need to build on this in the final four races."

With his teammate Nico Hülkenberg not being able to finish the race and with Romain Grosjean finishing in eighth, Haas have come closer to Renault yet again in the constructors' championship. Just eight points separate the two teams now who are in a heated battle for fourth place. Can Renault hang on?