Jerez Testing, Day 3, 14/02/2008 - 14 FEB 2008
The ING Renault F1 Team concludes its testing programme in
Jerez
Nelson Piquet R28-02, 134 laps, 588 km, fastest lap: 1'19.817
Lucas Di Grassi R28-01, 73 laps, 320 km, fastest lap: 1'21.286
The ING Renault F1 Team was on track today to complete the
final day of testing at the Circuito de Jerez in the south
of Spain. The team was again operating a two-car programme
with two R28s in action as preparations continue ahead of
the opening Grand Prix in Melbourne next month.
Nelson Piquet remained at the wheel of the R28-02 for a third
consecutive day, while fellow Brazilian Lucas Di Grassi returned
to the cockpit of the R28-01, replacing Fernando Alonso for
the final day. The young Brazilian first sampled the R28 on
Tuesday and was happy to be back in the cockpit as he continues
to familiarise himself with the new car.
Conditions remained warm and sunny throughout the day, and
there was no repeat of the windy conditions that swept across
the circuit yesterday, allowing the team to continue with
its programme as planned. The team also took the opportunity
to carry out some further pit stop practice.
Both drivers worked on improving the balance of the car and
Nelson concentrated on long runs in the afternoon, covering
a total 134 laps, adding to the two race distances he completed
earlier in the week. Lucas had some minor problems in the
morning but enjoyed a positive afternoon when he carried out
some brake testing.
The team head to Barcelona next week to continue the intensive
development programme.
Nelson Piquet: "It was another good
day and again we covered a lot of miles, which I'm happy about.
Obviously we are working hard to improve the car as much as
we can and we're definitely seeing the results of the hard
work from everyone back at the factory on the track. We have
collected more valuable data today, which the team will be
able to analyse before the test next week in Barcelona. So,
overall a good three days for me and I definitely feel I am
getting more used to the physical demands of F1."
Lucas Di Grassi: "Today we spent the
day testing a lot of different parts, so it was not about
ultimate performance but understanding how these parts worked
on the car. We found some good things and made some progress,
so I'm happy with how the day went. Overall my two days here
in Jerez with the team have been a very good experience and
I was impressed with the R28. I feel I'm improving each time
I drive the car and with the feedback I give the team, and
I look forward to the next time I can work with the team."
Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: "We
kept to the programme as planned today with Nelson doing some
set-up work in the morning, and then a race distance in the
afternoon with no major problems on the car. With Lucas we
did set-up work in the morning, but we had a few problems
which slowed us down a bit. But the afternoon went well and
we did some brake testing and Lucas gave good feedback and
we have some valuable data."
DRIVER TEAM BEST LAPS
1 KOVALAINEN McLaren 1.17.974 96
2 COULTHARD Red Bull Racing 1'18.485 107
3 NAKAJIMA Williams 1'19.117 90
4 HAMILTON McLaren 1'19.429 83
5 KUBICA BMW 1'19.535 129
6 VETTEL Toro Rosso 1'19.688 53
7 PIQUET ING Renault F1 Team 1'19.817 134
8 BOURDAIS Toro Rosso 1'19.848 101
9 HEIDFELD BMW 1'19.934 116
10 WEBBER Red Bull Racing 1'19.980 107
11 FISICHELLA Force India 1'20.669 89
12 BUTTON Honda 1'20.988 121
13 DAVIDSON Super Aguri 1'21.010 103
14 HULKENBERG Williams 1'21.116 71
15 DI GRASSI ING Renault F1 Team 1'21.286 73
16 WURZ Honda 1'21.605 103
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