2007 Chinese Grand Prix, Friday - 5 OCT 2007
The ING Renault F1 Team completed a busy opening day of practice
for the 2007 Chinese Grand Prix, in hot and humid conditions
today in Shanghai.
Giancarlo Fisichella (R27-02)
Free Practice 1: 1:38.217, 17 laps
Free Practice 2: 1:37.970, 32 laps
HeikkiKovalainen(R27-05, T-car)
Free Practice 1: 1:38.551, 18 laps
Free Practice 2: 1:38.062, 21 laps
As is typical for the first day of the race weekend, the
engineering focus was on comparing the behaviour and performance
at this circuit of the two different Bridgestone tyre types,
as well as on finding a competitive set-up compromise. The
sessions were not trouble-free, as Heikki Kovalainen stopped
out on track in second practice with a fuel pressure warning,
but the Finn was able to complete two more runs before the
end of the day as the problem was quickly fixed. There is
still work to do overnight to fine-tune the car balance, but
the drivers are confident the team is in its usual position
in terms of overall competitiveness.
Giancarlo Fisichella, P10
This was a pretty typical Friday for me. The circuit was quite
dirty this morning, and it took a while to clean up, but the
conditions were quite good by the end of second practice.
The car balance was inconsistent with poor overall grip, but
we know the direction we need to work in tonight to improve
the situation. In terms of the tyres, they were both quite
similar on the short and long runs.
Heikki Kovalainen, P11
I think we had a decent day, in spite of my problem during
second practice. I lost a little bit of running time but thanks
to the mechanics doing a great job, I squeezed in a couple
more runs before the end of the session, which was important.
This was my first time at the track, and it is quite enjoyable
to drive, with a very smooth surface and some good kerbs you
can attack. It is just a normal modern style circuit, and
I think I got to grips with it pretty fast. So in the end,
I did most of our normal programme, and we know where to work
on overnight to improve our competitiveness. It will be close
again tomorrow in qualifying, but I think we are in our normal
position.
Alan Permane, Chief Race Engineer
This was a more difficult day than we had at the same point
last week, and there is more work for us to do overnight.
We are not yet 100% happy with the balance of the car, and
that means we also have some room for improvement in terms
of our overall performance. Our programme today was fairly
standard, conducting tyre evaluations and looking at different
aero packages to find the right compromise between the long
straights, and grip through the infield section. Now we need
to improve the balance, and give the drivers the set-up they
need to approach qualifying with confidence.
Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Track Operations
Our objective on a Friday is always to make the most of the
track conditions at their best, and to complete two trouble-free
sessions. We didn't achieve that today after a problem with
a fuel coupling meant Heikki lost fuel pressure, and stopped
out on circuit. However, it was quickly fixed when the car
got back to the garage, and the negative impact on his programme
was therefore minimised. Aside from that, it was a normal
day from the engine side, running at a circuit that we only
visit once a year. The data we collected will allow us to
fine-tune our settings for tomorrow's qualifying session and
Sunday's race.
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