Renault Valencia test notes 2006-02-02

Day two of Valencia testing for the Renault F1 Team; a busy day for the drivers as the team continued working with the R26.

The primary aim of today's running was to continue putting mileage on the new R26. That is the main objective of this winter's test programme: to work on reliability, push to the limit and identify potential problems in order to avoid them at the race weekend. The day's programme was completed in spite of numerous red flags caused by other cars.

Fernando Alonso completed a race distance this morning without major problems, then concentrated on tyre testing during the afternoon, completing medium distance runs as he continued working with Michelin.

Heikki Kovalainen continued his acclimatisation to the R26, while aiming to complete a race distance. Some small hydraulic problems delayed the programme, but the Finn was able to get back on track to conduct brake testing in the second half of the day.

Fernando Alonso:

"We carried on putting mileage on the new package. It was a positive day, but a bit frustrating too because of the number of red flags today. Even so, we managed to complete our programme without any major problems, which is a good sign. The tyre development this afternoon gave some interesting directions to explore, so I am pleased with the day."

Heikki Kovalainen:

"It was another busy day. We wanted to do as many laps as possible today, and we did just that. I am pleased with my second day of running, because we only had small problems and that's normal when you are working with a new car. From a personal point of view, I feel comfortable in the car and I am pleased with performance today. I hope we can carry on in the same way tomorrow."

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer:

"We wanted to do a race distance with each car, we got good results with both cars and didn't have any major problems, which is an encouraging sign ahead of the opening race. It was a productive day, even though the red flags made life difficult, but we are pretty pleased all in all. We hope to continue in the same manner tomorrow, working on race simulations during the morning before tyre testing in the second half of the day."

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