Barcelona Testing, Day 3,
The ING Renault F1 Team concludes its Barcelona test.
Fernando Alonso R28-01, 63 laps, 290 km, fastest lap: 1'22.509
Nelson Piquet R28-02, 64 laps, 295 km, fastest lap: 1'23.039
The ING Renault F1 Team concluded its three-day test at the
Circuit de Catalunya today, the team's first test with two
R28 cars this year. Conditions remained cold and overcast
in the morning, with rain arriving late in the afternoon,
causing the team to end its programme slightly early.
Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet remained in the cars, building
on the work of the previous couple of days. Fernando concentrated
on more set up work this morning and Nelson operated a similar
set-up programme, as well as some long runs in the afternoon
which were cut short by the rain.
Both drivers enjoyed a productive day, adding further miles
to the car, and achieving the major goals for the test. Fernando
covered a total of 63 laps, clocking a best time of 1'22.509,
while Nelson completed 64 laps, with a best lap of 1'22.039.
Fernando Alonso: "Today we concentrated
on the basic set-up of the car and made good progress. The
track conditions improved over the three days and the temperature
was ok because it stayed more or less consistent throughout
the weekend. We were able to keep improving our understanding
of the Bridgestone tyres, and also the new way of setting
up the car with no traction control or engine breaking. Everyday
I am happier with the car and these have been useful days
here in Barcelona."
Nelson Piquet: "We have had a good
test and improved day-by-day. Things got cut short a little
bit early today because of the rain, but I was glad to have
three days in the car. We spent the day working on set-up,
and like yesterday I was able to cover lots of laps. This
was only the second test with the new car and we are still
getting used to it, and I am still getting used for Formula
1, but at the moment everything is positive.
Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: "Today's
programme was a continuation of the work we carried out over
the previous couple of days and involved set-up work with
both Nelson and Fernando. It was a useful day and we got a
lot done, with just a minor problem at lunchtime. So, overall
three good three days, and I'm happy with the way the cars
have run."
DRIVER - TEAM - BEST LAPS
1 WEBBER Red Bull Racing 1'22.385 65
2 KOVALAINEN McLaren 1'22.422 67
3 HAMILTON McLaren 1'22.459 92
4 KUBICA BMW 1'22.492 83
5 ALONSO ING Renault F1 Team 1'22.509 63
6 HEIDFELD BMW 1'22.874 79
7 BOURDAIS Toro Rosso 1'23.877 80
8 COULTHARD Red Bull Racing 1'22.889 81
9 PIQUET ING Renault F1 Team 1'23.039 64
10 VETTEL Toro Rosso 1'23.232 71
11 BARRICHELLO Honda 1'23.795 84
12 SUTIL Force India 1'23.800 86
13 BUTTON Honda 1'23.808 85
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