Formula One news

Zonta makes Renault debut

Renault began three days of testing in southern Spain, at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit yesterday. New test and reserve driver Ricardo Zonta made his debut with the team, and primarily focused on getting to grips with the new car, and perfecting his driving position in chassis R27-01. 

The Brazilian also spent time meeting the members of the test team he will be working with this year, and learning about the working methods of the world champion team. It was a day focused on adaptation, during which Ricardo was able to find his feet before launching into a full programme tomorrow.

Across the garage, Nelson Piquet Jr., driving chassis R27-02, continued the development programmes begun last week in Valencia. He conducted endurance testing, completing several long runs without any problems.

Chief Test Engineer Christian Silk commented: "The track was a little dirty on this opening day of running, and we therefore chose to work on an endurance programme. Nelson covered a race distance in the morning without any problems, and everything went well. As for Ricardo, his day was focused on finding his feet and he will be ready to make good progress with his programme on Wednesday."

more news

• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas
  • Clock ticking for Silverstone
  • Williams sells first shares
  • Official: Bianchi handed Ferrari test
  • My door is open, says Trulli
  • Button: I needed a new challenge
• 19 Nov.
  • Brawn 'very disappointed' with Button outcome
  • Sons release birthday song for Jackie Stewart
  • Räikkönen: No talks with Brawn

Homepage