Renault Valencia test notes 2007-02-02

The ING Renault F1 Team today completed a four-day test session in Valencia, Spain. The session was once again focused on putting as many miles as possible on the R27-RS27 package, which was running for the first time in its new 2007 livery.

The session had already been scheduled over three days, but was extended for a fourth day after poor weather disrupted running on the first two days.

The final day of testing saw Giancarlo and Heikki focus initially on endurance testing, and this programme saw them complete several long runs as part of their race simulation work. Then, during the afternoon, both drivers were able to work on set-up development with the R27, in order to improve their understanding of the car's handling and responsiveness to set-up adjustments.

Overall, the session proved positive, and the final day went smoothly. The team was pleased to collect a large amount of useful data, which will be built on during a three-day test next week in Jerez. Giancarlo Fisichella will once again be in action for the team, alongside Ricardo Zonta, who will be testing for the ING Renault F1 Team for the first time.

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer:

"We had to juggle with our programme according to unpredictable weather this week, but we were nevertheless able to make good progress with our primary objective: endurance testing of the new package to ensure optimum reliability, which is our priority at this stage of the season. We had some very encouraging results on that front, and will look to focus more on performance testing during our next session in Jerez."

Giancarlo Fisichella
Chassis: R27-02
100 laps, 395 km
Best lap: 1:12.566

Heikki Kovalainen
Chassis: R27-01
98 laps, 387 km
Best lap: 1:12.687

-credit: renault