The Week at RF1:
The end of winter testing, and preparations for Bahrain –
it's just one week away!
Welcome back to ‘The Week at RF1'. We have left you
in peace over the past few weeks as winter testing progressed,
as we knew there were plenty of numbers, lap-times and predictions
to evaluate, assess and decode.
But we're back, with all the latest news from the ‘quiet'
weeks in between the races – and where better to start
than with the end of winter testing?
Lies, damned lies and statistics!
With so many talented engineers at our disposal, you would
be forgiven for thinking we can make numbers say pretty much
anything we want them to. So we will try and keep the facts
and figures to a useful minimum, as we look to assess the
team's winter testing programme since we began running last
December.
Overall, it has been a good winter, and a solid programme
with the R25 before Christmas was followed by seven intensive
tests with the new R26 – and six of those were with
two chassis at our disposal. In total, the new car has already
completed 34 ‘car days' (1 car day = 1 day for 1 chassis)
of running, compared to just 22 at the same stage last year.
The R26 now has 13,821 km under its belt, an increase of 73%
relative to 2005. This is a particularly encouraging marker
in the light of the introduction of a brand new engine architecture,
and the importance of strong reliability in the opening races
of the season.
In total, the team has completed 21,910 km during 2005-6
winter testing since it began running on 30 November, 2005.
Winter 2005/2006 comparison
R25
R26
Difference
Number of Tests
5
7
+2
Km completed
7972
13821
+73%
Number of car days completed
22
34
+12
Never take anything for granted…
Looking at the numbers, it might seem like everything is
rosy at Renault – objectives met, and serene progress
towards the opening race in Bahrain. Indeed, the assessments
from the technical teams are positive – but cautious.
Nobody is taking anything for granted, as we conduct our detailed
preparations for the opening race of the year. The comments
from our Technical Directors demonstrate that diligent, pragmatic
yet resolute atmosphere.
"We have had a tough winter, with some very demanding
engineering and logistics tasks," explained Bob Bell
when quizzed at Enstone. "The programme with the new
car was very tight, to get it completed before Christmas.
We then had to get two chassis running very early, but the
strong performance in winter testing has given everybody a
lot of motivation. After an intensive winter, we genuinely
believe we have a strong chance of successfully defending
our championships."
The tone of cautious optimism is the same at Viry-Châtillon
as the V8 engine is readied for its race debut. "We are
pleased with development during the winter," commented
Engine Technical Director Rob White. "We had favourable
first impressions of the V8 from its dyno running, and these
have been confirmed. The first track tests were tackled in
a well-prepared manner, and there were not too many nasty
surprises from running the engine in the car. For our team,
the choice to only run the engine in a real 2006 car, rather
than putting it on track earlier, turned out to be a good
solution."
The dress rehearsals are complete. Now it's time for the
show!
2006 Bahraini GP Race Preview
During the 2006 season, the race previews will be issued
systematically on-line and by email update in English and
French, at 12:00 GMT on the Monday preceding the Grand Prix.
For the second race in a double-header, this timing will be
on Tuesday before the race.
The first in the series will be sent out on Monday, but because
we're impatient to get going, here's a snippet from each of
our drivers – who can't wait to go racing again either!
So is the World Champion happy with his winter preparations?
"Yes, I think we have done what we needed to," states
Fernando. "The car is ready to race: it has done a lot
of laps, on all types of circuits and conditions. Now is the
time to measure ourselves against the others in the first
race. We have done the maximum possible, so I am relaxed going
into the season."
On the other side of the garage, the mood is focused and
determined. "My motivation is very high," asserts
Giancarlo. "I am very pleased to be with a great team
like Renault, the world champions. Also, I know I am driving
a very quick car this year. My target is to fight for the
championship, and I am optimistic I can do that."
As always, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating,
not just for Renault but every team. The full preview will
be with you on Monday, and the real answers will be with us
in just nine days' time…
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