Good progress for Renault

Following the Spanish Grand Prix, the ING Renault F1 Team today began a four-day test programme at the Paul Ricard HTTT in the south of France. With 150 different possible configurations, Paul Ricard is the ideal circuit for a double test session such as this – where teams are aiming to prepare for the widely different demands of the Monaco and Canadian Grands Prix. The team began its work on a Monaco type circuit, continuing its development programme with chassis R27-06, and the young Nelsinho at the wheel.

Nelson Piquet Jr. completed his programme without any problems. The Brazilian concentrated on preparing for the race in Monaco next year, and continued to make progress with its planned development programme. The results from the opening day were encouraging, and by the end of the day, he had completed 125 laps, setting third-fastest lap in 1:07.056.

Nelson Piquet Jr: “I am pleased to be driving an F1 car here. I know the circuit well from GP2, and it was interesting to see how it looked from the cockpit of the R27. I ran a lot today, just like in Barcelona last time out, and that’s always a good thing. I think we made good progress, and it was a positive, encouraging day for the rest of the week.”

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: “This was a good first day for the team. We made good progress, without any problems at all, and Nelsinho did exactly the job we wanted from him – without any mistakes at all. We work on the electronic systems, and traction control development; the results were interesting, and we will continue preparations for Monaco tomorrow with Heikki.”

Nelson Piquet Jr., R27-06, 125 laps, 449 km, best lap: 1’07.056