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."
-credit: renault
