French GP: Renault Friday test notes

Fernando Alonso and Jarno Trulli were first and third fastest in the Friday test session for the French GP. Test driver Franck Montagny was sixth.

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:

"Obviously, our normal race work for the anticipated dry race, was disrupted by the rain. However, we managed to get a first look at both the tyres and the set-up, which will be extremely useful as the conditions are expected to remain substantially wet for the first practice session."

"We also took the opportunity to evaluate a range of wet tyres, and saw some very promising improvements in this direction. Franck had a baptism of fire with an engine failure requiring him to swap to the T-car, and then some difficult running in extremely wet conditions. However, he came through it extremely well, providing us with useful data while setting impressive lap times for a first outing in the car."

Franck Montagny, test driver:

"I'm quite pleased after this first run in the car, and had a good time out there today. Circumstances weren't ideal today, with the engine problem and the weather conditions, but I did my best. With an extra hour's running, I think I could have adapted completely to running in the rain, but in the event, it was impossible. Nonetheless, it was a useful and enjoyable experience, and that's perhaps the most important thing."

Denis Chevrier, Engine Operations Manager:

"A disrupted session with, from the mechanical side, an engine problem on the test car, which obliged us to use the spare, and, of course, the weather. In these conditions, it is necessary to make good use of the session even so, and we were able to do so."

-renault-