Renault starts Silverstone-test

The Renault F1 Team started today a three-day test programme in Silverstone to prepare the forthcoming European races and especially the British Grand Prix which will take place on this circuit on June 11, 2006.

Owing to poor weather conditions, the team was obliged to adapt his testing programme.

Indeed, although Heikki Kovalainen was initially supposed to complete a heavy tyre programme with our partner Michelin, the Finn worked on gearbox development while waiting for better track conditions. However, he performed well in spite of poor track conditions and set the third-fastest lap-time of the day in 1:21.241.

Fernando Alonso, on track today and tomorrow, had a more difficult day. The poor weather conditions combined with mechanical problems during the afternoon prevented the Spaniard from completing his programme. He did only 31 laps today with the fourth-fastest laptime in 1:21.311.

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer “We had a difficult morning with very poor track conditions. We ran general systems checks first of all and finally when the track had improved, we began our programme. Heikki and Fernando were very happy with the balance of the car and were competitive straight away. In spite of the problem we had on Fernando’s car we are satisfied with this first day of testing. We are just hoping for better weather conditions tomorrow!”

On track tomorrow to continue the testing programme of the Renault F1 Team: Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella.