The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team today began three days of testing at Valencia in Spain. This morning, the new R25 completed its first laps, with Fernando Alonso at the wheel.

The programme with the new car concentrated on an initial shakedown and solving new-car reliability faults, which saw the car make two precautionary stops out on track. The cold and windy conditions made it difficult to evaluate the handling at this stage, but the first conclusions were positive and the team hopes to complete more mileage tomorrow.

After his first laps in the car, Fernando Alonso commented: “I have a good first impression of the car, in spite of the delays on the first day. The engine is powerful and pulls strongly from low revs, while inside the car, the driving position is comfortable. We did not do enough running to have a firm idea of the handling, and our aim for tomorrow will be to complete more laps in order to start learning about the car.”

Technical Director Bob Bell continued: “First of all, I would like to congratulate the teams at Enstone and Viry on their work. It is always a privilege to see the new car run for the first time, and this morning was no exception when the R25 took to the track for the first time. Today was about resolving new-car reliability issues, which saw us stop the car out on track twice. However, the initial signs were promising and we expect to begin more substantial running tomorrow.”

At the wheel of the R24, Giancarlo Fisichella completed 35 laps working on tyre development. Unfortunately however, the unstable windy conditions and low temperatures prevented him from completing any useful work.

Unofficial Times:

Driver	Team	Laps	Best Time
Pizzonia	Williams	53	1'11.355
Klien	Red Bull	73	1'11.617
Alonso	Renault	15	1'11.750
Sato	BAR	78	1'11.839
Heidfeld	Williams	60	1'12.298
Coulthard	Red Bull	61	1'12.404
Zonta	Toyota	73	1'12.670
Davidson	BAR	75	1'12.677
Fisichella	Renault	35	1'12.827
Panis	Toyota	47	1'13.267