Renault Sport Formula One Team struggled to find pace at the Autodromo di Monza in qualifying for the Formula 1 Gran Premio Heineken d’Italia 2016. Jolyon Palmer proved the faster of the team’s drivers, with a 1min 24.230secs lap placing him on the tenth row of the grid tomorrow.

Jolyon Palmer, said: "We knew it was going to be pretty challenging here and so it was proved to be. On the positive side, I had a nice race simulation yesterday and the car does feel well balanced so better things should be possible on Sunday. I’ll be hoping for a bit of spice in the race to help us on our way!”

Alan Permane, Trackside Operations Director, said: "We knew this was a track which would not suit us in qualifying and it was proven today. Although our qualifying positions are not great, we expect to run better in race conditions.

"We have a good selection of fresh tyres available so we can explore a number of different strategy permutations for both drivers. Our long run pace from P2 was encouraging and there are numerous permutations possible for the race. With our qualifying positions we can afford to explore our options."

Jolyon Palmer, #30, R.S.16-02 - Q: P20 1:24.230. FP3: P15: 1:24.533