Spa testing, Day 3,
The ING Renault F1 Team winds up its test programme on the
Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Giancarlo Fisichella R27-06, 76 laps, 532 km, fastest lap:
1'47.724
Today, the ING Renault F1 Team wound up its 3-day test session
on the new Spa-Francorchamps circuit on which the French team
got down to preparing for the Belgian event in mid-September,
as well as the up-coming European and Hungarian Grand Prix.
Giancarlo Fisichella was in the driving seat for the third
and final day's testing. On the basis of the work done by
Nelson Piquet Jr. and Heikki Kovalainen earlier on in the
week the Italian progressed further in the team's development
programme. Above all, he was out to find his marks on the
new Spa-Francorchamps layout and to refine the car's set-up.
While the track was wet to begin with the conditions improved
in the late morning and Fisichella was able to test aerodynamic
solutions. Despite variable track conditions his test session
went off without a hitch. By the session's end he had recorded
a lot of useful data that will provide a good baseline for
the Belgian Grand Prix in September.
He covered 76 laps and at the end of the day set the fifth-quickest
time in 1'47.724.
Giancarlo Fisichella: "This was an
interesting practice session. It was important to come here
and discover the new layout and pursue the team's development
programme. I think we've progressed today and the data recorded
are encouraging. Personally, I love Spa and driving here is
always a great pleasure. The car handled really well and I
was able to get the best out of it in the variable conditions."
Christian Silk, chief test engineer: "
We finished the Spa test with a good day's work; The track
was wet this morning and we waited a little before beginning
our programme; after that we had a dry circuit which was a
great help. Our three drivers have tested the car over the
three days and they all say they're happy with its handling.
They found it well balanced, predictable and I think that's
very positive. This test's been pretty encouraging. We were
not able to complete our programme because of the weather
but we were prepared for this and we got through the main
items. We now have a lot of date to analyse to be ready for
the German Grand Prix."
DRIVER - TEAM - BEST LAPS
1 RAIKKONEN Ferrari 1'47.042 69
2 KUBICA BMW 1'47.265 78
3 ALONSO McLaren 1'47.645 75
4 WEBBER Red Bull Racing 1'47.699 44
5 FISICHELLA ING Renault F1 Team 1'47.724 76
6 WURZ Williams 1'48.437 76
7 TRULLI Toyota 1'48.491 76
8 BOURDAIS Toro Rosso 1'48.585 91
9 SATO Super Aguri 1'48.610 99
10 BARRICHELLO Honda 1'48.704 81
11 KLIEN Spyker 1'49.119 63
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