Gearbox problem and engine change for Kovalainen at Jerez

Contrary to previous plans, Heikki Kovalainen remained at the wheel of chassis R27-06 in order to complete the evaluation of aerodynamic components begun yesterday. He endured an interrupted day in the hot conditions, with a delay to the programme this morning following a gearbox problem, and an unscheduled engine change this afternoon.

In spite of this, and thanks to the hard work of the mechanics, he was able to complete the majority of the planned work for the day, and collected more data that will now be thoroughly analysed ahead of the next race in Hungary.

Heikki Kovalainen: “It is always frustrating when you have a stop-start day of testing, but it was important to run this extra day and make progress with our development programme. In between the stoppages, we did some useful tests, and the data we have collected should allow us to carry on making progress as we try to improve the car even more ahead of the next races.”

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: “First and foremost, immense credit goes to the mechanics today. At the final test before the summer break, it would be easy to relax and take your eye off the ball, but they have shown even more dedication and commitment than usual this week, in particularly demanding conditions. We had planned to run Heikki during the morning and Nelsinho this afternoon, but our running today was interrupted by several mechanical issues. Although we successfully completed the test work we had planned to do with Heikki, it meant we unfortunately ran out of time for Nelson to take the wheel. In spite of this, we collected more good information for analysis back at the factory over the coming days.”

Heikki Kovalainen, R27-06, 65 laps, 288 km, best lap: 1:20.828