Day two of the Paul Ricard test for the Renault F1 Team, with Heikki Kovalainen in action for the French team.

After a productive opening day of in-season testing, the Renault F1 Team continued with its development programme  at Le Castellet. Thursday's running built on Wednesday's successful start, with Heikki Kovalainen completing a mammoth 213 laps as he worked on tyre evaluation with Michelin. The season may have started two weeks ago, but the Renault F1 Team – fully aware of the strategic importance of the early European races – is working flat out to maintain its current advantage.

Heikki Kovalainen completed medium distance runs yesterday at the wheel of chassis R26-04, setting fastest time of the day in 1:04.400.

The session will conclude today, with the next test scheduled from 5 to 7 April, once again at Paul Ricard.

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: "We had a very productive day once again, without any problems at all. Heikki ran a lot of laps, and looked quick. Our work centred around developing yesterday's tyre programme, and we made more good progress. Heikki was very pleased with the car, and the entire team worked very hard to make sure we got the most out of every run. We know these are crucial test session, with respect to the coming races."

Driver - Constructor - Time - Laps

Heikki Kovalainen Renault 1m04.400 213  Nick Heidfeld BMW Sauber 1m04.903 96  Pedro de la Rosa Team McLaren Mercedes 1m05.094 145  Gary Paffett Team McLaren Mercedes 1m05.518 153  Jarno Trulli Toyota 1m05.702 72