Barcelona Tests – Day 1 – First for Grosjean

Renault today commenced its three-day testing program at the Circuit de Catalunya, near Barcelona. In nearly ideal track conditions, Romain Grosjean, the team’s test driver, took the wheel of the R28 for the first time.

The young Frenchman was very pleased to be able to drive today and contribute to the team’s particularly aggressive development program since the beginning of the season. Despite a busy testing program for this session, the team mainly aimed today to allow Romain to get his bearings behind the wheel of the R28 and learn the team’s working methods.

Despite some issues with the car and a thunderstorm at the end of the day, Romain said he was satisfied with this first experience after finally completing 60 laps. He will give up his place to Nelson Piquet, who will continue the team’s development program tomorrow and Saturday as part of preparations for the 2008 French Grand Prix, a major event for Renault.

Romain Grosjean:

It was an incredible day and I want to thank the team for this opportunity. It was interesting for me to become aware of the differences between a GP2 single-seater and a Formula 1 car. It’s quite amazing, to be very honest, especially in terms of acceleration and lateral grip during changes of direction. The team welcomed me very warmly and helped me a lot for this first day of driving. It was truly an incredible first experience.

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer:

« It was a somewhat delicate day for Romain as we had some issues with the car, which somewhat disrupted his schedule. He did aerodynamic tests, but the main goal of the day was to allow Romain to get acquainted with the car and the team. He had a good first working session, adapted relatively quickly, so we are pleased with the work and performance he managed to deliver today. As for the continuation of our tests, the program is busy both on the aero and chassis front, so Nelson has work ahead. »

According to a Renault F1 press release