Renault concentrating on improving the balance
The ING Renault F1 Team was on track today to complete the final day of testing at the Circuito de Jerez in the south of Spain. The team was again operating a two-car programme with two R28s in action as preparations continue ahead of the opening Grand Prix in Melbourne next month.
Nelson Piquet remained at the wheel of the R28-02 for a third consecutive day, while fellow Brazilian Lucas Di Grassi returned to the cockpit of the R28-01, replacing Fernando Alonso for the final day. The young Brazilian first sampled the R28 on Tuesday and was happy to be back in the cockpit as he continues to familiarise himself with the new car.
Conditions remained warm and sunny throughout the day, and there was no repeat of the windy conditions that swept across the circuit yesterday, allowing the team to continue with its programme as planned. The team also took the opportunity to carry out some further pit stop practice.
Both drivers worked on improving the balance of the car and Nelson concentrated on long runs in the afternoon, covering a total 134 laps, adding to the two race distances he completed earlier in the week. Lucas had some minor problems in the morning but enjoyed a positive afternoon when he carried out some brake testing.
The team head to Barcelona next week to continue the intensive development programme.
Nelson Piquet: ”It was another good day and again we covered a lot of miles, which I’m happy about. Obviously we are working hard to improve the car as much as we can and we’re definitely seeing the results of the hard work from everyone back at the factory on the track. We have collected more valuable data today, which the team will be able to analyse before the test next week in Barcelona. So, overall a good three days for me and I definitely feel I am getting more used to the physical demands of F1.“
Lucas Di Grassi: “Today we spent the day testing a lot of different parts, so it was not about ultimate performance but understanding how these parts worked on the car. We found some good things and made some progress, so I’m happy with how the day went. Overall my two days here in Jerez with the team have been a very good experience and I was impressed with the R28. I feel I’m improving each time I drive the car and with the feedback I give the team, and I look forward to the next time I can work with the team.”
Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: “We kept to the programme as planned today with Nelson doing some set-up work in the morning, and then a race distance in the afternoon with no major problems on the car. With Lucas we did set-up work in the morning, but we had a few problems which slowed us down a bit. But the afternoon went well and we did some brake testing and Lucas gave good feedback and we have some valuable data.”
Nelson Piquet R28-02, 134 laps, 588 km, fastest lap: 1’19.817
Lucas Di Grassi R28-01, 73 laps, 320 km, fastest lap: 1’21.286
