Reactions: Renault bounces back in extremis in Barcelona!

Renault concluded its winter testing program today at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona. For this final day of preparation before the official start of the 2008 season, the team enjoyed good track conditions under clear skies, which allowed Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet to complete their respective work programs without difficulty.

The two Renault drivers continued their setup tests this morning at the wheel of the two R28 chassis before completing longer runs this afternoon during two new race simulations. The two single-seaters demonstrated a good level of reliability, which once again allowed the team to cover many kilometers and consequently record interesting data that can now be analyzed at the factory.

At the end of the session, the two Renault drivers were the most diligent on this final day of work, with Nelson completing 128 laps, nearly 600 kilometers.

The team is now preparing to tackle the first event of the world championship in less than three weeks in Australia. Before the start of the 2008 season, the two Renault drivers will fine-tune their physical preparation and will head to Melbourne early to get accustomed to the time difference. At Enstone and Viry-Châtillon, the team members will work tirelessly to continue the development of the R28 and provide our drivers with the most competitive package possible.

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer stated: « We had a busy schedule for the last three days of work and we were ambitious with the elements we wanted to test here in Barcelona. We managed to complete most of the planned tests and therefore met the goals we had set before Melbourne. »

By the time we arrive in Australia, we will need to prepare the cars and have all the new parts we tested ready for the race. We have gone through three consecutive weeks of testing and haven’t had the opportunity to study all the collected data. So, that’s what we will do now in our two factories to be as well-prepared as possible by the time we reach Melbourne.

According to the Renault F1 Team