Renault Valencia test notes 2006-02-03

Mileage, mileage, mileage -- the motto of the day was unchanged for day three of testing in Valencia. Positive results from the final day's work of the week in Spain.

The Renault F1 Team drivers ran a similar programme to previous days in Valencia, aiming to complete a race simulation before working on tyre development in the second part of the day.

Neither driver suffered any major incidents, and the team worked through its job list efficiently, which included refuelling stops and tyre changes during the race simulations.

Fernando Alonso:

"We completed another race distance today. The conditions were good today, because there were fewer cars running, so we didn't have as many red flags as yesterday. This afternoon, I worked on the tyres and I think we are making steady progress towards some good solutions."

"Every test between now and the first race will be important, but we have been productive during each one so far, and we managed to do that again this week."

Heikki Kovalainen:

"I am getting to like the R26 more and more as I drive it. We had a very efficient morning, with good levels of performance and another race distance without any problems. There is still a lot to do ahead of the first race in Bahrain, but we have a solid base. Personally, I am pleased that I managed to get used to the new car quite quickly, and I am pleased that I improved with each day this week."

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer:

"We had a very efficient morning, with race distances completed on each car. It was certainly the best day we have had this week. Overall, this has been a very positive week for us, and we have made good progress with the programme."

"There has been some interesting tyre development with Michelin as well, and we have found some interesting directions that we need to explore further at the next tests. We will be back in action next week in Jerez."

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