Renault R26 hits the track
The R26 completed its first laps today at Jerez, with Giancarlo
Fisichella at the wheel. Fernando Alonso began working alongside
his team-mate in the R25.
The Renault F1 Team today began its first day of testing
in 2006, marking the occasion with the introduction of its
2006 challenger, the R26.
The new car completed its first installation lap at 09:10
with Giancarlo Fisichella at the wheel, prior to undergoing
initial checks. More exploratory work followed, gradually
building up the length of the runs in order to complete mileage
with the new car. Inevitably, running was punctuated by lengthy
checks to on-board systems and components, with the team going
about its initial programme in a prudent manner. The day also
saw the track debut of the RS26 V8 engine on track, which
ran without incident as it completed nearly 200km.
Driving last year’s R25, Fernando Alonso’s programme
got off to a slow start as cold temperatures prevented useful
running. He then concentrated on brake development throughout
the afternoon.
Giancarlo Fisichella: “We had a very promising first
day with the R26. I felt comfortable straight away, and the
programme was to do as much mileage as possible, while proceeding
with all the checks you have to do on a new car. This wasn’t
a day to go for lap-times, and it was hard to get the tyres
working in the cold temperatures. The V8 engine felt very
good, similar to our predictions and it was reliable for the
first run. My first impression is that this is a car with
a lot of potential.”
Bob Bell, Chassis Technical Director: “Today was the
first milestone on the road to the opening race of the season
in Bahrain. The R26-RS26 project has put everybody in the
team to the test over the winter, and they delivered today
when the car ran on time, on the day we planned nearly a year
ago. After our initial installation laps, our work proceeded
smoothly. As with any new car, there were some minor issues
to resolve, but we did not encounter any major problems and
gradually began completing some longer runs. The purpose of
the day was very simple: to put miles on the new package.
From what Giancarlo could tell, the car is responding in the
same way as the R25 – which is in line with our predictions,
and our objectives. The engine’s first track test went
very smoothly, and the V8 was behaving normally as it completed
nearly 200km. All in all, it was a pleasing opening day of
testing with the new car.”
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