Sakhir testing, Day 3,
ING Renault F1 Team concludes pre-season testing.
Giancarlo Fisichella, R27-01, 64 laps, 343 km, best lap:
1'30.498
Heikki Kovalainen, R27-03, 61 laps, 327 km, best lap: 1'30.384
The ING Renault F1 Team today completed its pre-season test
programme at Bahrain's Sakhir circuit.
The world champion ING Renault F1 Team today concluded its
final three-day test of the 2007 pre-season, with both race
drivers running through the day and completing their planned
work in spite of some delays.
Giancarlo Fisichella completed the set-up work that has been
his primary focus this week, as well as practicing race weekend
procedures ahead of the first Grand Prix in two weeks' time.
A mechanical problem in the middle of the day cost him track
time, but the parts involved had exceeded their target mileage
when they failed. Overall, the Italian enjoyed a positive
day, and was encouraged by the performance of the R27. He
completed 64 laps during the day, to finish third fastest
with a best time of 1:30.498.
Heikki Kovalainen also worked hard to complete his planned
programme for the week. Completing his sixth day of running
in eight days at Sakhir, the Finn continued to accumulate
mileage ahead of his Grand Prix debut in Melbourne, while
simultaneously fine-tuning preparations for the third race
of the season at the Bahraini circuit. Heikki also demonstrated
a strong level of performance in spite of interruptions owing
to mechanical difficulties, and he rounded off his pre-season
preparations with second-fastest time in 1:30.384, after completing
61 laps.
Chief Test Engineer Christian Silk summarised the
results of the final winter test: "We concentrated
on practicing procedures this morning, which was handled without
any major problems, and we then continued working on set-up
testing with both cars. Heikki and Giancarlo experienced some
mechanical problems in the middle part of the day, but the
team worked hard to fix them and make the most of the remaining
track time. We have concluded our pre-season test programme
on an encouraging note. Both drivers completed their programmes,
and demonstrated promising performance. It has been a long,
demanding winter for the whole team, and we are now looking
forward to see how the R27 performs in race conditions. We
have a competitive package, and we are feeling confident,
but we will be working hard through the rest of the season
to develop and improve the car."
The ING Renault F1 Team will pursue its on-track development
at the next teams test, in Sepang, from 27 to 29 March. For
logistical reasons, this test will be conducted by the race
team. The team will run a single car, in line with the 2007
test agreement.
DRIVER - TEAM - BEST LAPS
1 MASSA Ferrari 1'29.989 44
2 KOVALAINEN Renault 1'30.384 61
3 FISICHELLA Renault 1'30.498 64
4 RAIKKONEN Ferrari 1'30.534 77
5 ALONSO McLaren 1'30.564 113
6 BARRICHELLO Honda 1'31.067 118
7 DELAROSA McLaren 1'31.354 90
8 SPEED Toro Rosso 1'31.500 124
9 COULTHARD Red Bull 1'31.589 66
10 HEIDFELD BMW 1'31.720 82
11 WEBBER Red Bull 1'31.742 92
12 KUBICA BMW 1'31.751 97
13 SCHUMACHER Toyota 1'31.791 81
14 BUTTON Honda 1'31.837 97
15 MONTAGNY Toyota 1'32.264 119
16 HAMILTON McLaren 1'32.474 48
17 SATO Super Aguri 1'33.337 51
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