Renault Sport Formula One Team endured a tough qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit. Jolyon Palmer had to sit out qualifying after his car suffered from fire damage in FP3. The fire was extinguished, however the damage caused required an engine change which could not be completed in time for the session.

Jolyon Palmer, #30, R.S.17-03, Q: No time set FP3: P20 1:53.040

“It’s obviously not ideal to miss qualifying, but we had what looks like a fuel leak which ignited, and obviously did too much damage to the car for us to be able to make qualifying. Tomorrow I’ll start from near the back of the grid, or the pit lane, so I should be in a strong position to capitalise if there’s any issue up the front of the field. Hopefully we make a few positions on the first lap, then anything can happen.”

Alan Permane, Sporting Director:

"It was a tough day at the office…How was qualifying for the team?It was a tough day at the office for us. Jolyon was unable to participate in qualifying due to fire damage to his car caused by a high-pressure fuel leak in FP3. Nico proceeded to Q2 however his car suffered from an electrical issue. It was a far from ideal day on both sides of the garage.