2008 Bahrain Grand Prix,
The ING Renault F1 Team was back in action today at the Bahrain
International Circuit to begin its preparations for Sunday's
Bahrain Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso, R28-03
Nelson Piquet, R28-01
Free Practice 1: P10, 1:33.815, 19 laps
Free Practice 1: P13, 1:33.981, 24 laps
Free Practice 2: P12, 1:33.755, 26 laps
Free Practice 2: P10, 1:33.247, 37 laps
Windy conditions prevailed throughout the day, but the team
was still able to make use of both free practice sessions
to complete a set-up programme and evaluate the weekend's
tyre options. In particular the team chose to experiment with
running heavier fuel loads in preparation for a race that
is traditionally very demanding on the brakes. It was a solid
start to the weekend and the team will look to make the most
of the information gathered in preparation for a strong qualifying
session tomorrow.
Fernando Alonso
"It has not been an easy day for us. We concentrated
on preparing a car that is suitable for the race, but we were
not especially quick and it was not easy to get good traction
on the circuit today, and this is something we need to focus
on for tomorrow. We do need to find more speed and we will
try and do this when we analyse the data tonight. "
Nelson Piquet
"We made progress throughout the day and so it was a
more productive afternoon. We spent a lot of time working
on the brakes because they tend to suffer a lot here and by
the second session the car was behaving well and I felt more
comfortable on the track. It is clear that we must still improve
our pace, but I am convinced this will be possible tomorrow
and that we will have a good chance in qualifying."
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering
"In spite of the windy conditions, the circuit was not
in bad condition today and we were able to start our morning
programme earlier than we had expected. We concentrated on
running with high fuel, particularly as this circuit is so
demanding on the brakes, but the track did not give up much
grip and there is still a lot of work to do on the balance
of the car. However, we have amassed a fair amount of data,
which we will evaluate tonight to help us optimize the car
for tomorrow."
Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Track Operations
"That was a fairly normal day for both cars and we were
able to work through our programme without any interruptions
or incidents disturbing the session. This evening it is necessary
once again to try to improve the car and to make the most
of what we learnt today, especially concerning the tyres and
the usage with the traction that we have here. There is certainly
some room to progress tomorrow, but we must take into account
that our competitors our likely to improve also."
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