Formula One news

Renault progressing after aero test

The Renault team made use of the field's limited opportunities for testing outside of Grand Prix weekends this week, as development driver Adam Khan took to the tarmac in Cambridgeshire for straight-line, aerodynamic development runs. Although the test received criticism from local residents, who complained of the noise, the runs are vital in a year of no in-season circuit testing.

Renault's 2009 season so far has, in many ways, been a continuation of 2008 although any race-winning flashes of brilliance appear to have disappeared so far. "Both of the aero tests have been a great experience for me and I've enjoyed the opportunity to drive the R29 and help with its development," said 24-year-old Khan, who drove the car at Duxford airfield, approximately ten miles from the city of Cambridge. "Even though I was only doing straight-line aero runs, I was able to learn a lot about the car and hopefully gave the engineers some useful feedback."

Adam Khan, Renault development driver

With drivers now competing without traction control for the second consecutive year, 2009 saw the removal of additional aerodynamic winglets, consequently, a drop in amounts of mechanical downforce available on most circuits. "This year the cars have reduced aerodynamics and I definitely felt that during the aero test, as I'm used to driving the R28," Khan, driver for A1 Team Pakistan, continued to explain. "Inside the cockpit, both cars (Renaults R28 and R29) feel almost exactly the same, although there are a few different buttons and functions on the steering wheel in this year's car but I quickly got used to them."

Next taking to the wheel for a demonstration run on Silverstone's World Series by Renault weekend on 4-5 July, Adam reflected upon his recent outing in the car at Spa: "To drive an F1 car at, probably the greatest circuit in the world, was an immense privilege - Spa has always been one of my favourite tracks as it's so fast and flowing and has a lot of history. The approach to Eau Rouge was probably the most exciting part of the lap but, overall, it's the perfect venue to appreciate the power, grip and performance of an F1 car."

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