Productive day for Renault
The ING Renault F1 Team completed a busy day of practice in preparation for this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix. Especially in the afternoon session both Fernando Alonso and Romain Grosjean had a lot to do as they had to make up for the lost ground of the rainy first session.
Fernando Alonso, R2904
Free practice 1: 13 laps, 1:50.368 on lap 3, P3
Run 1: 3 laps, set of new hard tyres
Run 2: 4 laps, set of new rain tyres
Run 3: 5 laps, set of new intermediate tyres
Free Practice 2: 30 laps, 1:47.862 on lap 23, P14
Run 1: 2 laps, set of scrubbed hard tyres
Run 2: 9 laps, set of new hard tyres
Run 3: 9 laps, set of new soft tyres
Run 4: 4 laps, set of new soft tyres, adjustment to rear suspension
Run 5: 5 laps, set of scrubbed soft tyres, adjustment to rear wing
Fernando: “We did quite a few laps today, especially in P2. In P1 we were affected quite a lot by the rain, but in the afternoon we were able to concentrate on evaluating the tyres and we are happy with the balance we have with the car. Tomorrow it will be an important qualifying session because we are all determined to get a good result this weekend, so most importantly we would like a good grid position tomorrow.”
Romain Grosjean, R2903
Free practice 1: 13 laps, 2:05.513 on lap 11, P13
2 installation laps on new hard tyres
Run 1: 6 laps, set of new rain tyres
Run 2: 5 laps, same set of rain tyres
Free Practice 2: 34 laps, 1:47.333 on lap 31, P5
Run 1: 2 laps, set of scrubbed hard tyres
Run 2: 12 laps, set of new soft tyres
Run 3: 9 laps, set of new hard tyres
Run 4: 4 laps, same set of tyres, adjustment to front wing
Run 5: 6 laps, set of new soft tyres
Romain: “Today was very interesting as we had wet and dry conditions as is quite normal for Spa. Once again Fernando has been very helpful and comparing my data with his data really helped me today as I could see where I needed to improve. In the afternoon session we concentrated on testing the two types of tyre and I managed to do over 30 laps so I think we are quite well prepared for tomorrow.”
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: “It was a productive day. This morning of course was interrupted by rain, but it gave us a chance to look at the car in wet conditions and it gave Romain a chance to drive an F1 car in the wet. In the afternoon, we concentrated on evaluating the tyres which are so important here in Spa. I’m pleased with the progress we have made and happy with the balance of the car. All in all, it has been a successful Friday.”
