The Renault F1 Team began a three day test programme today in Jerez.

Prior to the final leg of the 2006 season, the Renault F1 Team test team has returned to southern Spain for three days of development work.

Heikki Kovalainen and RDD driver Jose Maria Lopez were on hand for the team to begin the week's development schedule.

The young Finn, confirmed last week as a 2007 race driver, concentrated on tyre testing with Michelin. The work focused on the selection for the Chinese Grand Prix in two weeks' time. He completed a trouble-free day, running 102 laps and finishing fastest with a lap of 1:17.236.

Jose Maria Lopez, driving for one day only, worked on set-up and also completed an important brake development programme. He finished the day third with a time of 1:17.617, and 94 laps completed.

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: "We have enjoyed a good first day at the test. We were expecting dirty track conditions that was changing all the way through the day, but this didn't prove to be the case. Conditions were good immediately which allowed us to make good progress with our tyre testing. Heikki and Jose both put in a good day's work."

Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen will be at the wheel today to continue the testing programme of the team.

DRIVER -  TEAM -  BEST -  LAPS1 KOVALAINEN Renault 1'17.236 1022 DAVIDSON Honda 1'17.500 1253 LOPEZ Renault 1'17.617 944 BARRICHELLO Honda 1'18.425 1135 DOORNBOS Red Bull 1'19.527 1116 AMMERMULLER Red Bull 1'19.614  102