Valuable Monza test for Renault comes to a close

The ING Renault F1 Team wrapped up its Monza test today as Fernando Alonso completed his second day of work with the team this week. The team concentrated on race preparation for the Italian Grand Prix in a couple of weeks’ time as Fernando sampled a variety of set-up solutions to perfect the R28’s low downforce package. There was also the chance to complete some suspension work as the team worked on improving the car’s behaviour through the chicanes.

Having completed a heavy workload this week, the team has made good progress with its testing programme and has some interesting information to work through in the coming days. The team now heads to Spa-Francorchamps for next week’s Belgian Grand Prix.

Fernando Alonso: “Another valuable day in Monza and we have learnt some interesting things that will help us prepare for the race here in a couple of weeks' time. We tried lots of different things with the set-up and then did some suspension work in the afternoon as using the curbs is important here. I think we have taken the car in the right direction and we have a good basis to build on over the race weekend.”

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: “We spent the day looking at the set-up and completing all the usual Monza-specific work because this place is so different to all the other tracks that we run at. We continued with our race preparation programme, collecting data and found some very positive directions with the set-up, so we are in reasonable shape going into the race here.”

Fernando Alonso, R28-04, 80 laps, 463 km, fastest lap 1:23.820