Jerez Testing, Day 1, 08/02/05

Fernando Alonso, R25-02, 119 laps, 527 kmGiancarlo Fisichella, R25-03, 83 laps, 368 km

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team began a three day test at Jerez in southern Spain yesterday. Race drivers Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella were present to continue testing and development of the new R25.

Unfortunately, the team was forced to change its planned programme after the morning dawned dry, but left the circuit damp. Unable to complete meaningful set-up work, the drivers therefore concentrated on accumulating mileage with the new car and beginning endurance tyre testing, completing long runs through the morning and afternoon. Feedback from both drivers on the handling of the R25 was once again positive, reinforcing the positive impressions gained at Valencia during the past two weeks.

Chief Test Engineer Christian Silk commented:

“With the circuit conditions preventing any useful set-up work, we shifted our programme to concentrate on accumulating mileage with the new car. Fernando was very busy, completing 119 laps on our tyre endurance programme without any problems at all. Giancarlo’s day didn’t run so cleanly, with a number of small problems delaying his work, but he was nevertheless pleased with the car’s handling. Wednesday, we will continue to test tyres, both in performance and endurance configurations, as well as putting more miles on the R25.”

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