An emotional feeling - Hyatt

As Heikki Kovalainen's R27 suffered a fuel pump problem, the ING Renault F1 Team had to prepare the T-car and they transferred the engine and gearbox to the T-car. It was the first time since 2002 that the spare car started a race. Dave Hyatt, the number 1 mechanic of the T-car talks about his hectic weekend.

“Right! Over the past few years we’ve prepared the spare car exactly like the race ones. Everything has to be perfect, more than perfect in fact! When a driver has to use it in a hurry there mustn’t be the slightest hitch. The problem was that Renault hadn’t used this car in a race for years. We continue to prepare it to the best of our ability reckoning that it’ll be used one day.”

“It’s true. Giancarlo and Heikki take turns in driving the spare in Friday’s free practice.

“Just before free practice on Saturday the team spotted a fuel pump problem on Heikki’s race car, so we transferred the engine and gearbox to the T-car in just 45 minutes! It gave Heikki enough time to cover at least 6 laps in it to prepare for qualifying. As you know, each chassis feels a little different.”

“Each car has three main mechanics, a no.1 mechanic, and one for the front and another for the rear. Then come the gearbox and hydraulics specialists etc. I work with David Turner and Greg Baker on the spare.”

“Yes, it was. In addition, my car scored points and I think it’s the first time that a Renault T-car has done this since 2002. I was on the grid and I lived the race in a whole different way. It’s a big morale boost! Heikki’ll have his race car back for Bahrain.”