Formula One news

Renault lifted by Piquet's pace

Following last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix Renault F1 today began a four-day test programme at the Paul Ricard HTTT in the south of France.  The team began its work on a Monaco type circuit, continuing its development programme with chassis R27-06, and the young Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jr. at the wheel.

Piquet completed his programme without any problems. The Brazilian concentrated on preparing for the race in Monaco next year, and continued to make progress with its planned development programme. The results from the opening day were encouraging, and by the end of the day, he had completed 125 laps, setting third-fastest lap in 1:07.056.

"I am pleased to be driving an F1 car here," said Piquet. "I know the circuit well and it was interesting to see how it looked from the cockpit of the R27. I ran a lot today, just like in Barcelona last time out, and that's always a good thing. I think we made good progress, and it was a positive, encouraging day for the rest of the week."

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer commented, "This was a good first day for the team. We made good progress, without any problems at all, and Nelsinho did exactly the job we wanted from him - without any mistakes at all. We work on the electronic systems, and traction control development; the results were interesting, and we will continue preparations for Monaco tomorrow with Heikki."

more news

• 05 Jul.
  • Coulthard disappointed with eleventh
  • Fisichella missed out on Q2
  • Difficult qualifying session for Williams
  • Webber surprised to be in front row
  • Toyota missed out on top ten
  • Maiden pole position for Kovalainen
  • Live: British Grand Prix 1st free practice
  • Frank Williams glad British Grand Prix is saved
  • Alonso fastest at drying track
  • Photos: Saturday at Silverstone
• 04 Jul.
  • Alonso's engine problem didn't surprise the team
  • Photos: Friday at Silverstone
  • McLaren drivers happy with first day at Silverstone
  • Mixed day for Williams drivers
  • Clutch problems for Glock, new rear wing for Trulli
  • Steady start for Red Bull drivers
  • Donington pleased with F1 contract
  • Kovalainen fastest in the afternoon
  • British Grand Prix moves to Donington
  • Fastest time and heavy crash for Massa
  • British drivers will miss Coulthard
  • Batmobile challenges Glock at Silverstone
• 03 Jul.
  • Webber extends Red Bull contract
  • Horner will miss good friend and gentleman Coulthard
  • Coulthard to retire at end of season
  • New at GPUpdate.net: Live reports
  • Photos: Thursday at Silverstone
  • Massa targets British podium
  • Raikkonen to use new engine
  • Ecclestone leaves door open for British Grand Prix
• 02 Jul.
  • Singapore Grand Prix to build 1,600 extra seats
  • Webber: We cannot afford to lose Silverstone too
  • Sutil expects step forward
• 01 Jul.
  • Fisichella doing fine after heavy crash
  • Toro Rosso happy with its current drivers
  • Toyota joins forces with Batman
  • Coulthard optimistic for second half of the year
  • Rosberg expects better performance at Silverstone
  • Paul Ricard boss steps down
  • Silverstone Tech File

Homepage