Busy and interesting day for Renault

Today, the ING Renault F1 Team finished its third day of testing on the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit. After the first two days’ running in Monaco Grand Prix set-up, like the other teams present on the French circuit the ING Renault F1 Team switched to preparation for the Canadian Grand Prix. On the Castellet E1b-SCV2 layout measuring 5,255 kilometres the French squad continued its development programme with Heikki Kovalainen, who was in the car for the second day on the trot.

The Finn has been able to prepare for both the Monaco event and the Canadian one during his test session this week. Today, he concentrated on setting up his R27 for the new layout working mainly on aerodynamic tests in view of the races to come. He completed his programme without any problems and his results were very positive.

By the end of the day he had covered a total of 89 laps, some 458 kilometres, and set the third-quickest time in 1m 29.070s. Today’s results will now be analysed, and more testing for Canada will continue tomorrow when Giancarlo Fisichella relays his team-mate in the Renault for the final day of practice.

Heikki Kovalainen: “It was interesting changing circuits today because of the new braking points, trajectories and another level of downforce. It was a pretty busy day. We completed our programme and we got through all the points we had to review. I now feel ready for Monaco and the races to come.”

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: “We thought that this morning’s wind would interfere with our test schedule, but finally we got through a lot of work. Heikki said that he was happy with the car and we soon began our general preparation programme for Canada and the races to come. Tomorrow, Giancarlo will continue the work begun today and that’ll bring us to the end of a marathon four-day test session.”

Heikki Kovalainen: R27-06, 89 laps, 458 km, fastest lap: 1’29.070