Monza Testing, Day 1
Back to testing for the Renault F1 Team this week
in Monza.
Following the end of the summer testing ban, the Renault
F1 Team returns to the track this week for a three-day test
in preparation for the Italian Grand Prix next weekend.
The three days will all feature a busy programme of tyre
testing and aero validation work on the special aero package
used in Monza. The team's three drivers will alternate their
running this week to maximize the team's mileage.
Giancarlo Fisichella's two-day programme began with set-up
work this morning to adapt the car to the circuit, and he
then started work on a tyre programme. A mechanical problem
curtailed the Roman's running after 91 laps, but this morning's
running already demonstrated an encouraging level of performance.
The problem will be fixed overnight, and Fisico will continue
his testing tomorrow.
Across the garage, test driver Heikki Kovalainen concentrated
on tyre testing with Michelin. He is working on the tyre choice
for next week's race, and the two French manufacturers are
working hard to find the best solution in terms of one-lap
performance and endurance. By the end of the day, the young
Finn had completed his programme after a total of 100 laps,
which left him in sixthposition with a time of 1'23.242. Heikki
Kovalainen will continue his test programme on Thursday.
Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: "This first day
has been really encouraging although we had small problems
that have been fixed for our second day of testing. The track
was really green today but the drivers were immediately satisfied
with the balance of the car and we already made good progress
on both cars. It will probably be a tough race here next week
but our first day of testing has been encouraging and we know
that the track will develop a lot before next week end, therefore
it's a good basis for the rest of our programme. "
The Renault F1 Team will continue its development work tomorrow
with Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella at the wheel
of the R26.
DRIVER - TEAM - BEST LAPS
1 MASSA Ferrari 1'22.381 71
2 BADOER Ferrari 1'22.553 85
3 WEBBER Williams 1'22.668 88
4 FISICHELLA Renault 1'22.895 91
5 DAVIDSON Honda 1'23.185 96
6 KOVALAINEN Renault 1'23.242 100
7 TRULLI Toyota 1'23.425 76
8 VETTEL BMW 1'23.780 86
9 ROSSITER Honda 1'23.909 112
10 PANIS Toyota 1'24.046 68
11 WURZ Williams 1'24.056 86
12 HEIDFELD BMW 1'24.086 76
13 JANI Toro Rosso 1'24.322 91
14 MONDINI Midland F1 1'25.519 69
15 IDE SAF1 - 2
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