22/04/2005
NEWS STORY
The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team completed a satisfying opening day at the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola. As usual, both drivers worked on evaluating the two different types of tyre available, while also making some progress with the set-up of the R25. Their final positions after second practice show promise for the weekend ahead.
Fernando Alonso: Today was primarily a tyre test: we got good results on clean runs, and now have the data we need to make our choice. On the set-up side, we are still lacking in grip but I think it will come from the circuit as it rubbers in more on the racing line. The R25 seems quite competitive at this track, and that gives me good confidence for the rest of the weekend.
Giancarlo Fisichella: I had a good session this afternoon, without any problems. The new engine was working well and we did the running we needed to in order to find out about the tyres. The car balance is not yet perfect, but we have time tomorrow morning to fix that. It has been a good feeling to run in front of the Italian people here today, and I think I will be in a position to give them something to cheer about this weekend.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering: As is typical on a Friday, we concentrated on evaluating the tyres available to us for this race. This was made somewhat easier by the fact that we had already run them in testing, and therefore had already got a good idea on the direction we should take. Our day was straightforward and as usual, the balance is not yet perfect – but equally, it is not far from ideal. Overall, it was an encouraging start to the weekend.
Denis Chevrier, Head of Engine Operations: We had a trouble-free day in every area. On the chassis side, the focus was on the tyres, while the engine group's main task was to check everything was working correctly with the B spec engine in Fisico's car. He ran plenty of laps to calibrate the engine and its mapping, which we managed to complete without difficulty. It is always hard to draw conclusions from the results on the first day of the race weekend, but I think we have certainly made a good start.