Renault Spa test notes 2007-07-10

Today, the ING Renault F1 Team began a 3-day test session on the revamped Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. The layout has been slightly modified since the last Belgian Grand Prix in 2005, and welcomed all 11 teams in an entirely new paddock.

Nelson Piquet Jr did the ING Renault Team's first day's work and it was also his debut on this circuit in an F1 car. The aim was to establish a baseline set-up for the R27, and to adapt the RS27 engine to the day's conditions. It was, in fact, the first time that the team had run a V8 at Spa since the regulation changes.

Nelson Piquet's programme was slightly hindered by an electronic glitch in the late morning, which forced him to stop at the end of the pit lane. The team quickly found and solved the problem, and continued its technical programme collecting a lot of interesting data. By the end of the first day Nelson had covered 52 laps, over 364 kilometres, and set the fifth-quickest time in 1'47.996.

Tomorrow, Heikki Kovalainen will pursue the team's development programme.

Nelson Piquet Jr.:

"I was happy to be able to do today's test on this circuit which is certainly one of the most beautiful in the world. It's undulating and there are several sections with a succession of challenging corners; it's very demanding. I had a small problem this morning but this afternoon we were able to cover a lot of laps and we made excellent progress. I think we've got a good working baseline set-up for the rest of this week's practice."

Christian Silk, chief test engineer:

"Our programme was delayed because of a glitch we had this morning, but we managed to get the best out of the afternoon and the results are very interesting. We're concentrating on preparing for the Belgian Grand Prix, but not only that as we're also trying to progress in our overall development programme: we're working flat out. Nelson said he was pretty happy with the car's overall balance even if we still have a little work to do in this area. We'll make a few more changes this evening to prepare for tomorrow with Heikki."

Nelson Piquet Jr.
Chassis: R27-06
52 laps, 364 kilometres
Fastest lap: 1:47.996

-credit: renault