The ING Renault F1 Team completes its first day with the
R28
Fernando Alonso R28-01, 39 laps, 131 km, fastest lap: 1'13.027
After completing a successful test a Jerez last week, the
ING Renault F1 Team moved to Valencia this week for the first
test with the R28, the new car that will be officially launched
to the press on 31 January 2008.
Fernando Alonso was the first Renault driver to try the new
car, and spent the opening day concentrating on checking the
general functions of the car and making sure all the systems
were operating correctly.
Fernando was happy to experience the new car and did not
encounter any problems as the team completed its programme
for the day. Despite foggy conditions in the morning, which
delayed the opening of the track, the Spaniard was able to
complete a number of runs towards the end of the day, completing
a total of 39 laps.
Fernando will be in the car until Wednesday, and will then
hand over driving duties to his teammate Nelson Piquet Jr,
who will experience the R28 for the first time on Thursday.
Fernando Alonso: "When you have your
first day with a new car, you always have to take your time
to check that all the systems are functioning correctly, and
that is what we did today. We were able to lengthen our runs
little by little and ended the day with a 17-lap stint. Everything
went well, but it is still too early to try and compare our
performance with that of other teams, and that was not the
objective today. The good news is that we encountered few
problems, and we will be able to continue our work tomorrow."
Christian Silk, Test Chief Engineer: "It
was a good first day of work, which is always important with
a new car. The whole team is very enthusiastic about working
with the R28 and it is clear that everyone has given their
all to get this new car on track. We were able to follow our
programme without any difficulties and there were no big surprises
with the new car. It is a solid basis on which we can build
in the days to come."
Bob Bell, Technical Director, Chassis: "Today
has been very successful. We completed just under 40 laps
and the car ran pretty much trouble-free – that is about
as good a first day as you can expect with a new car. We would
have completed our first run pretty much on time if it had
not been for the weather, and I think that's a real tribute
to the whole factory and all the hard work that has been put
in to get this car here today. Overall, a really positive
first day's work."
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