6 May: Spanish Grand Prix - Friday Practice Report - Renault F1
Fisico
seventh and Fernando ninth after today's free practice sessions in Spain.
The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team completed a
successful day of preparatory running ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, during Friday practice at Barcelona's Circuit de
Catalunya. Both drivers ran few laps in the first session in order to conduct tyre tests when the circuit was at its cleanest,
during the afternoon, and were able to collect the necessary data to make the choice for the weekend. Giancarlo and Fernando both
reported a good car balance, with few modifications to make for tomorrow, and were pleased with the overall level of performance.
Giancarlo
Fisichella, 26 laps in total, P7: 1:17.200 "We ran plenty of laps today in order to get a clear idea of the tyre
behaviour at this circuit where their performance during the race will be very important. I think we have a better idea on the
direction we need to choose than at the previous races this year, which is a positive start. Performance-wise, I think our pace is
good, and the chassis balance is very close to being what I need in the long runs. I am looking forward to tomorrow."
Fernando
Alonso, 26 laps in total, P9: 1:17.356 "Today was really special for me, to be out on the circuit this morning and able
to see the support in the stands: I know there are lots of people coming to the race from all around Spain, so I am excited for the
weekend. This afternoon, we got down to work properly, and as usual, we had to choose between the two tyres. We did a good job,
because the choice is pretty clear. The grip levels on the track were not very high, but that is normal on the first day, and things
will pick up as we go on. Even so, the car handling felt good, and it was comfortable to drive. We had no problems, so it's a good
start for me."
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering "As we have become very used to saying, this
was a normal Friday for us – perhaps even more so than usual because the circuit is so familiar. The R25 is usually well-balanced
from its first laps, and that was the case again today – although the windy conditions meant we had to make some set-up
adjustments to adapt. We have good data and answers on the tyres, which showed good durability today, and the performance of both
cars seems encouraging and very similar."
Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Operations "From the outside, the
most surprising thing about the day will be that all the drivers have completed a lot of laps today. Even though we know the circuit
intimately, the way in which the tyres and chassis work together will be critical on Sunday, and every team needs to collect as much
data as possible in order to make the correct decision. From the engine side, we were able to run the B spec engines in both cars
for the first time, and they performed well as we fine-tuned the mapping. So far, so good."
