Last practice session for Alonso at Renault

Renault was on track again today at the Jerez circuit as Fernando Alonso returned to the cockpit of the R28 since his last podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Despite rather cool temperatures this morning, the team was able to carry out its technical program without difficulty and even enjoyed a beautiful afternoon, allowing the Spaniard to accumulate many kilometers.

For his return day, the Iberian focused on evaluating the Bridgestone slick tires and fine-tuning his car for the next season. Despite a short interruption in the morning, Renault was able to complete its program and once again gathered very valuable information.

The team will be on track tomorrow, still with Fernando Alonso, for the last day of testing in 2008.

Fernando Alonso said: « Overall, the day went well. I slightly damaged the car this morning, which cost me some track time, but the team did an outstanding job getting the car back in shape, and everything went very well afterward. It was interesting to run with slick tires; they have much better grip, but when you lose downforce on the aerodynamic side, the difference is consequently less noticeable. »

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer added: « It was a good thing for Fernando to drive today and discover the 2009 version tires. He learned a lot, and the engineers as well, thanks to his very precise feedback. On the technical side, we followed a program very similar to that of yesterday with Nelson, and we were able to achieve our goals once again.»

According to a statement from the Renault F1 Team