Renault wants to get the maximum out Barcelona test

Today the ING Renault F1 Team got on with its development programme on the Catalonia circuit in the Barcelona region in a new 3-day test, which will be the last in Europe before the season officially kicks off in Melbourne on 18th March.

The team has a very intensive programme to complete. On today’s menu were pit stop and refuelling simulations to perfect the training of the team of race mechanics who were on hand specially for this reason; in addition, various qualifying procedures were validated for Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen who are doing the driving this week.

The day went off without incident and the team’s programme was not perturbed by the few drops of rain that fell in the afternoon. Tomorrow, the ING Renault F1 Team can pursue its development programme on the basis of the data gathered today.

Giancarlo Fisichella: “I was able to complete my programme today without difficulties. It was a good first day’s testing. The track’s changed due to the new layout but the car handled well right from the start. We’ve got another big day’s work ahead of us tomorrow.”

Heikki Kovalainen: “We followed our schedule and made good progress today. The car handled well straight away, and we can use that as a base line for tomorrow’s work. I was happy to get back behind the wheel. I love driving and I’m becoming more and more motivated as the start of the season approaches. We all want to get the maximum out of this test.”

Giancarlo Fisichella R27-02, 83 laps, 382 kms, fastest lap: 1’23.896
Heikki Kovalainen R27603, 57 laps, 262 kms, fastest lap: 1’23.491