Renault Barcelona test notes 2003-12-03

Tyre programme
Franck Montagny repeated the wet tyre programme from Valencia. The results corroborated those found last week, and the range of tyres tested included one which looked like a significant improvement at both tests.

Other Notes
Conditions were wet all day. Montagny had an accident at the end of the wet tyre test, damaging the car. Once repairs had been made, conditions prevented any meaningful running. Conditions improved during late afternoon, but he did not take to the circuit again.

José-Maria Lopez continued yesterday's test, running at the same time as Montagny in the morning, although using the extreme wet weather tyre for safety.

During the improved afternoon conditions, Heikki Kovalainen succeeded in completing eight introductory laps. He will continue with his programme tomorrow.

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:

"A difficult day in Barcelona, especially because of the conditions. We were pleased to see last week's work on wet tyres show the same results today, although Franck unfortunately lost running time with his accident.

"As for the young drivers, Jose-Maria did a very mature job. Times are meaningless in these kinds of conditions, but his confidence and feedback were very good. In the short time he spent on track, Heikki adapted very quickly and was immediately setting the sort of lap times we had expected from him."

Franck Montagny
Chassis: R23-06
34 laps, 160 km
Best time: 1:28.954

José-Maria Lopez
Chassis: R23-05
14 laps, 66 km
Best time: 1:32.751

Heikki Kovalainen
Chassis: R23-05
8 laps, 38 km
Best time: 1:32.468

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