Renault impressed by Grosjean and Alonso
The ING Renault F1 Team completed a busy day of practice in preparation for this weekend’s European Grand Prix. Although Fernando Alonso finished the day on top of the timesheets, it was especially Romain Grosjean who impressed the team with a very impressing day at the Valencia track for the rookie driver.
Fernando Alonso, R2904
Free practice 1: 18 laps, 1:43.345 on lap 6, P9
Run 1: 6 laps, set of new hard tyres
Run 2: 8 laps, same set of tyres, adjustment to front ride height
Run 3: 2 laps, same set of tyres, adjustment to rear aero
Free Practice 2: 33 laps, 1:39.404 on lap 31, P1
Run 1: 6 laps, new hard tyres
Run 2: 6 laps, same set of tyres, adjustment to front suspension
Run 3: 6 laps, same set of tyres, adjustment to rear ride height
Run 4: 10 laps, set of new soft tyres
Run 5: 4 laps, set of new soft tyres, adjustment to front wing
Fernando: “It was a positive day for us with some good laps and the car performed well right from the start of the first session. We worked on the set-up throughout the day and now we’re pretty much happy with what we have so I think we are in good shape for the rest of the weekend. The incident with Nick Heidfeld this afternoon was a normal incident that can happen during racing or free practice. For tomorrow, we will try our best to get on the front row of the grid with the objective of scoring points on Sunday.”
Romain Grosjean, R2903
Free practice 1: 23 laps, 1:44.356 on lap 21, P17
Run 1: 9 laps, set of new hard tyres
Run 2: 8 laps, same set of tyres, adjustment to front suspension
Run 3: 4 laps, same set of tyres, adjustment to front ride height
Free Practice 2: 35 laps, 1:40.787 on lap 34, P13
Run 1: 12 laps, set of new hard tyres, gear ratios change
Run 2: 13 laps, set of new soft tyres
Run 3: 4 laps, same set of tyres, adjustment to front ride height
Run 4: 4 laps, set of new soft tyres, adjustment to front suspension and front wing
Romain: “The day has gone pretty well. Your first time in a new car is always tricky, but I did my best and having Fernando next to me meant I could see how he approached the sessions and that helped me a lot. So I think today I have made good progress and tomorrow I will aim to continue in the same way. ”
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: “Firstly it’s very nice to be here in Valencia racing this weekend. Secondly, we would like to welcome Romain to the team and I have to say I was very impressed with his progress today. He was pushing hard yet driving within himself and making steady progress. Fernando has had a strong day too; the car looks good and we’re quite happy with the way the tyres are behaving. All in all it has been a satisfactory Friday.”
