Renault starts testing at Valencia

We’ve made it: the Renault F1 Team has begun its final week of winter testing, ahead of the eagerly-awaited first race in Bahrain. The Renault F1 Team’s programme this week is a relatively light one, as the team tests while simultaneously preparing to depart for Bahrain on Friday. So it’s two days of testing with a single chassis and Heikki Kovalainen at the wheel this week.

The test got off to a difficult start, with difficult, damp track conditions early in the day, which initially delayed the team’s programme. Subsequently, the R26 was stranded out on track following a mechanical failure, which cost valuable track time as they were resolved. Those incidents made it hard for the team to hit the targets for the day: covering a race distance, and continuing tyre testing. However, the car was ready again by the end of the day, and Heikki got back on track for systems checks ahead of a busy day tomorrow.

“It was a tough day for us because of the mechanical problems,” explained Chief Test Engineer Christian Silk. “We fixed them, but our programme was disrupted because of it. However, the main thing for us is to be ready for Bahrain, and finding and solving these problems is very important for our preparation. Heikki had a very good day, and didn’t make any mistakes in spite of difficult circuit conditions. We didn’t do many laps, which makes it difficult for the driver to find his rhythm. But this means tomorrow will definitely be a very busy day!”