Renault Jerez test notes 2006-02-10

The Renault F1 Team completed its third day of four at Jerez today with Fisichella and Kovalainen in action.

Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen were once again running for the Renault F1 Team today in Jerez, for the third day of four in this week's test session. Although the circuit was wet in the morning, this didn't stop them from running as soon as the track opened, which allowed the team to conduct software checks while also getting a feel for the handling of the R26 in these low-grip conditions.

The circuit improved steadily through the morning, and was dry by early afternoon. The drivers continued their programmes, with Giancarlo focusing his efforts on set-up evaluation while Heikki tested tyres with Michelin, in preparation for the season-opening races in Bahrain and Malaysia.

The Renault F1 Team drivers both set competitive lap-times, taking the top two spots. Giancarlo was fastest on 1:17.756, with Heikki next up after lapping in 1:17.865.

Before moving on to Valencia next week, the team will continue its work tomorrow with a single car, as Heikki Kovalainen conducts wet weather testing with Michelin.

Giancarlo Fisichella:

"We had another interesting day, in spite of the fact that the track was wet this morning. I was very pleased with the car in wet conditions, and then concentrated on set-up development. I am pleased with the times today, and I think we have completed an important part of our winter work this week. We now need to maintain a good rhythm, and work hard, because the first race is coming up fast."

Heikki Kovalainen:

"I was pleased with today. We made good progress, which had seemed unlikely this morning when the track was wet. It was a productive programme, and we did plenty of tyre testing. Personally, I was pleased with the speed and with my first experience of the R26 in the wet. I felt very comfortable, and I should get an even better impression tomorrow during the wet weather testing for Michelin."

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer:

"The track conditions this morning allowed us to get a first impression of how the car handles in wet weather. Giancarlo seemed pleased with the car, and although it was Heikki's first test in these conditions, he adapted very quickly."

"We had a productive afternoon, with Heikki conducting tyre testing in preparation for the first races of the year. Giancarlo continued to focus on set-up development, and he seems to have found some good solutions. After tomorrow's wet-weather work, we will continue next week in Valencia, beginning on Wednesday."

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