Renault 'satisfied' with double points success in Singapore

A double points finish in the Singapore Grand Prix for Renault drivers Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg has helped the team extend its advantage over Haas in the constructors' championship.

Sainz finished Sunday's race in eighth position, with Hulkenberg claiming the final point in tenth. With Haas ending up pointless this weekend, it means that Renault has extended its margin over their rivals to 15 points in the battle for fourth place.

"Overall we’re satisfied with this evening’s race as both cars finished in the points," reported team principal Cyril Abiteboul.

"Five points is a useful benefit to our battle in the constructors’ championship, as we know it will be very tight in the next six rounds.

"We didn’t qualify as well as we could have yesterday so we needed a strong performance today, and both drivers and the engineers on the pit wall delivered what was required."

"After a poor start, Nico drove sensibly with his head to return to the points, making the most of an undercut on [Romain] Grosjean followed by a very long stint on the Ultrasofts.

"Carlos drove smartly, attacking when it mattered and controlling when necessary for his eighth place."

• Calm Hamilton stays firmly in control for Singapore win

Sainz was pleased with the outcome of the race.

"I’m very satisfied with the result," he said. "Eighth isn’t bad for today, but I would have preferred to finish higher up the order.

"Five points for the team are important for the championship and we keep distance to our rivals. In general, I’m happy with today as we executed a good race."

Hulkenberg had started the race two places ahead of his team mate, so he was less than pleased to end up two positions behind at the line.

“I’m not quite happy with the result, as I know it could have been better," he said.

"I lost two positions at the start and from there we were on the back foot, which was costly. We pitted early, going for an aggressive undercut and that initially played out well, but we were caught up in traffic after that.

"I benefitted from the collision in front of me to get into the points, but it could have been more today," he added. "So it’s mixed feelings for me in the end."

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