Mechanical problems for Nelsinho

Following the opening round of the 2007 season in Melbourne, Australia, the ING Renault F1 Team is back on track this week for a three-day test session in Malasyia. In line with the 2007 Testing Agreement, the team will run just one car during the test.

Nelson Piquet Jr. was driving for the ING Renault F1 Team today. The Brazilian’s initial focus was on establishing a baseline set-up for the car, to allow him to progress onto set-up work. However, running was delayed by mechanical problems that, although minor, meant he lost a significant amount of running time. He completed a total of 32 laps, with a fastest time of 1:38.199.

Nelson Piquet Jr.: “It was a shame I didn’t manage to do more running today, but these things can happen during testing. This is a fun circuit, and the conditions are very different to anything we have encountered so far during the testing programme. That means this will be an important, interesting session for us and all the teams.”

The overall feeling was logically one of frustration for the French team, but today’s delays should not hinder the programme in the coming days, as Chief Test Engineer Christian Silk explains: “Unfortunately, Nelson didn’t manage to do much running today after we experienced some problems. Even so, we managed to get a decent baseline set-up for the car, and the balance is now good enough to continue our planned programme tomorrow with Heikki.”

Nelson Piquet Jr., R27-04, 32 laps, 174 km, best lap: 1:38.199