Jerez testing, Day 3, 16/01/2008 - 16 JAN 2008
Third day of testing for the ING Renault F1 Team in Jerez.
Fernando Alonso R27-06, 49 laps, 213 km, fastest lap: 1'20.363
The ING Renault F1 Team concluded its first test of the season
today – a significant test given that it saw the return
of Fernando Alonso.
The Spaniard was at the wheel of the R27 again today for
his second day of work with the team. Morning rain made for
a wet track at the beginning of the session, and the team
made the most of this as Fernando completed several runs in
the tricky conditions. The team then decided to wait until
the track conditions had improved before continuing with their
programme, which allowed Fernando to find his feet with the
new 2008 regulations that deprive the drivers of various electronic
aids. The Spaniard also worked on the aerodynamic balance
of the car and the engine mapping.
The changeable weather certainly delayed the team's programme,
but the information gathered from the day is still interesting.
And importantly, Fernando was pleased to have the opportunity
to get back behind the wheel before his next test with the
team in Valencia next week with the new car.
At the end of the day, Fernando had completed 49 laps, setting
set the third fastest time of the day in 1'20:363.
Fernando Alonso: "I feel more than
happy with today. We have worked well and made good progress.
Today I was able to feel the changes that were gradually made
to the car and the overall result is encouraging. I was expecting
to have more difficulties with the new regulations, but everything
has gone smoothly which is positive. I am well aware that
there is much more to do but it is a good start and I'm happy.
Christian Silk, Test Chief Engineer: This
has been a productive day and we have made progress despite
the poor track conditions and we made the most of the rain
to complete some laps on a wet track. Fernando has now completed
two days work and it has been a good return for him. The car
ran without any problems and so we have been able to maximise
the first days of running with Fernando and prepare for the
arrival of the new car next week.
The team will be on-track again tomorrow with Alvaro Parente
at the wheel of the R27. The young Portuguese driver has been
invited to take part at this test after winning the World
Series by Renault 2007 title.
DRIVER TEAM BEST LAPS
1 GLOCK Toyota 1'19.779 96
2 HAMILTON McLaren 1'20.099 73
3 ALONSO ING Renault F1 Team 1'20.363 49
4 BOURDAIS Toro Rosso 1'20.407 61
5 MASSA Ferrari 1'20.500 85
6 KOVALAINEN McLaren 1'20.535 79
7 KOBAYASHI Toyota 1'20.577 53
8 RAIKKONEN Ferrari 1'20.646 88
9 NAKAJIMA Williams 1'20.758 57
10 SUTIL Force India 1'21.705 71
11 WEBBER Red Bull Racing 1'22.275 53
12 COULRTHARD Red Bull Racing 1'22.581 54
13 HULKENBERG Williams 1'24.023 65
14 VETTEL Toro Rosso 1'24.873 50
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