Engine change for Kovalainen

ING Renault F1 Team today pursued its development programme at Silverstone, during the preparatory test session for the forthcoming British Grand Prix. Following a first day spent getting a baseline set-up on the R27, in relatively low-grip conditions, Heikki Kovalainen today continued working on the planned technical programme, concentrating primarily on evaluating new aerodynamic components.

However, his programme was delayed by an engine change this morning after the team noticed some abnormal behaviour, and by rain during the afternoon.

That meant track conditions were rarely at their best today, but the Finn was nonetheless able to collect a large amount of useful data, steadily improving the behaviour and handling of the car throughout the day. After completing a total of 53 laps, he was fifth on the timesheets with a best lap of 1:22.119.

Overall, the day finished on a positive note. The engine problem was quickly identified and is not a cause for concern, while Heikki found some interesting improvements that will be ocnifrmed tomorrow on the team’s final day of testing. Nelson Piquet Jr. is scheduled to drive.

Heikki Kovalainen: “We have enjoyed two important days of testing. We didn’t do as many laps as we would have liked, but there were some very good tests even so. The car is more consistent to drive, and moving forward bit by bit. I think it’s an encouraging sign for the next few races.”

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: “Our problem this morning interrupted the programme, as did rain this afternoon, but we were still able to collect some interesting data. There are still things to be improved on the car, but we are clearly moving in the right direction, and that’s very positive. Tomorrow will be another busy day, and we hope that the conditions will be better than the forecasts are suggesting at the moment!”

Heikki Kovalainen, R27-06, 53 laps, 268 km, best lap: 1:22.119