2008 Spanish Grand Prix, Friday
The ING Renault F1 Team returned to action today in Barcelona
to commence preparations for this weekend's Spanish Grand
Prix.
Fernando Alonso, R28-03 Nelson Piquet, R28-01
Free Practice 1: P6, 1:21.933, 18 laps Free Practice 1: P7,
1:21.936, 21 laps
Free Practice 2: P3, 1:22.032, 27 laps Free Practice 2: P2,
1:22.019, 39 laps
Warm and sunny weather greeted the team and made for ideal
conditions as both Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet completed
trouble-free programmes. Having spent four days testing in
Barcelona last week, the team had completed lots of miles
and so the day was spent fine-tuning the set-up and completing
tyre evaluation. Overall it was a promising start to the weekend,
laying the foundations for a successful qualifying session
tomorrow.
Fernando Alonso
"This first day of running allowed us to finish the work
we began in testing last week. We have therefore tried different
configurations and have been able to collect lots of information.
But the conditions on the track were very different to those
we had last week, with more wind and much less grip, and you
had to get used to it. I am satisfied with my day's work and
the results that we have registered. However, we still need
to improve here tomorrow to ensure a good qualifying session
because that will determine our race on Sunday."
Nelson Piquet
"I am happy with the day's work. The car felt good, we
have tried lots of different settings and we have made good
progress with the evaluation of the tyres. I covered a lot
of laps and completed my programme. We therefore have lots
of data which we will look at this evening so that we can
continue progressing and be in the best possible condition
for qualifying."
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering
"In spite of the poor weather at the recent test, we
were still able to complete a lot of work, which meant that
we could run a slightly different programme today. While it
is always nice to see the cars near the top of the timesheets,
we have to keep in mind that this is Friday, and does not
necessarily represent the complete picture. However, we have
moved forward with the modifications that are on the car this
weekend."
Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Track Operations
"It's still difficult to know with certainty what our
position is in the pack. We have certainly made progress,
but the gaps between the teams are small and we don't know
exactly which teams really attacked today and what their real
potential is. But it is important that we were able to complete
our programme without any difficulties today, and both of
our drivers did well to adapt to the changeable track conditions.
We completed lots of laps, and so we have a lot of valuable
information which is encouraging aat this stage of the weekend."
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