Spanish GP: Renault Friday practice notes

Fisico seventh and Fernando ninth after today's free practice sessions in Spain.

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team completed a successful day of preparatory running ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, during Friday practice at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya. Both drivers ran few laps in the first session in order to conduct tyre tests when the circuit was at its cleanest, during the afternoon, and were able to collect the necessary data to make the choice for the weekend.

Giancarlo and Fernando both reported a good car balance, with few modifications to make for tomorrow, and were pleased with the overall level of performance.

Giancarlo Fisichella:

"We ran plenty of laps today in order to get a clear idea of the tyre behaviour at this circuit where their performance during the race will be very important. I think we have a better idea on the direction we need to choose than at the previous races this year, which is a positive start. Performance-wise, I think our pace is good, and the chassis balance is very close to being what I need in the long runs. I am looking forward to tomorrow."

Fernando Alonso:

"Today was really special for me, to be out on the circuit this morning and able to see the support in the stands: I know there are lots of people coming to the race from all around Spain, so I am excited for the weekend. This afternoon, we got down to work properly, and as usual, we had to choose between the two tyres."

"We did a good job, because the choice is pretty clear. The grip levels on the track were not very high, but that is normal on the first day, and things will pick up as we go on. Even so, the car handling felt good, and it was comfortable to drive. We had no problems, so it's a good start for me."

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:

"As we have become very used to saying, this was a normal Friday for us -- perhaps even more so than usual because the circuit is so familiar. The R25 is usually well-balanced from its first laps, and that was the case again today -- although the windy conditions meant we had to make some set-up adjustments to adapt. We have good data and answers on the tyres, which showed good durability today, and the performance of both cars seems encouraging and very similar."

Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Operations:

"From the outside, the most surprising thing about the day will be that all the drivers have completed a lot of laps today. Even though we know the circuit intimately, the way in which the tyres and chassis work together will be critical on Sunday, and every team needs to collect as much data as possible in order to make the correct decision. From the engine side, we were able to run the B spec engines in both cars for the first time, and they performed well as we fine-tuned the mapping. So far, so good."

Giancarlo Fisichella
Chassis: R25-06
26 laps in total
7th, 1:17.200

Fernando Alonso
Chassis: R25-04
26 laps in total
9th, 1:17.356

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