Gearbox Problems Halt Fisichella

[davewilson]

After a positive first day of testing, the Renault F1 Team continued its program at Jerez on Thursday in order to prepare the next season in the best conditions possible.

 

Giancarlo Fisichella had a small gear box problem this morning and therefore was not able to get back on track before mid-day. However this incident was easily identified and fixed and does not call into question the technology developed for this new 2007 gearbox. Despite a short day of running, Giancarlo recorded good data regarding the Bridgestone tyres and set the tenth-fastest laptime in 1:20.068 with 69 laps covered.

 

"It's a shame I could not cover more laps today but the small incident I had was quickly identified and analysed. That's also why we are testing! In the end, I think we did once again a good job today and tomorrow for the last testing day of the season, I know we will try to push hard".

 

Heikki Kovalainen enjoyed a trouble-free day of testing and remained focused on tyre testing and set-up changes in order to improve the behaviour of his R26. At the end of the session, with 110 laps covered, the Finn set the eighth-fastest laptime in 1:19.810.


"I enjoyed a good day of testing. I had to cover as many laps as possible and I had to remain focused on tyre testing and set-up changes. Each test we make helps us understand better the Bridgestone envelops and that is very important as the next season is coming very soon…"

 

"It was an interesting day once again. Heikki was able to complete his programme without any problem but Giancarlo had some delays owing to the small incident that happened on his car. Finally everything went well, we recorded some good data especially regarding the tyres. We are on schedule, we know where we are. Tomorrow is our last day of testing this year and we will push hard again, we have to take benefit from each day we have on track," added Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer.

The Stig