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24th February 2004
silverstone test
Jarno Trulli + Fernando Alonso, R24-03
The day consisted of pit-stop practice for both drivers
with chassis R24-03, thus completing the winter's pre-Melbourne preparation.
No meaningful lap times were recorded by either driver. Even so, Alonso had a
little ‘incident’ which meant his car needed a new nose cone. Also present on
the track were BAR (Button), and Heidfeld and Pantano taking it in turns for
Jordan. Button set the fastest time, in the course of 84 laps. Jarno was
second quickest, after only 3 laps, and Heidfeld third. The other two falied
to set a time. Silverstone was very cold with some rain. Lovely.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:
"Today marked the final part of our on-track preparations before
departing for Melbourne. The full race crew were on hand to practice
pit-stops with the new car, and we are looking forward to getting out to
Melbourne and starting the season properly."
23rd February 2004
silverstone test
Jarno Trulli, R24-03, 24 laps, 124 km
Franck Montagny, R23-05, 110 laps, 566 km
The test reports didn’t mention rain or snow, so maybe
these weather conditions didn’t reach Silverstone, which must be a first! Bet
it was cold though! Apart from Renault’s two drivers, who were second (JT)
and third (FM) fastest, the only drivers present were Sato for BAR who was
quickest, and Wirdheim testing for Jaguar. Juan Pablo Montoya was also there,
but managed to remain invisible, as no lap time was set: he was testing
starts and straight line runs in Williams FW25, the 2003 car.
Chassis programme:
Trulli's programme consisted of running in two new gearboxes, and shaking
down the new chassis for Melbourne. He also conducted systems checks.
Montagny conducted front suspension geometry development in the R23 on his
first visit to Silverstone GP circuit with the team.
Tyre programme:
Montagny worked on tyre compounds during the afternoon.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:
"Jarno shook down the R24 and ran in the gearboxes over short 12 lap
runs, with each performing as expected. The race drivers will conduct pitstop
practice with the new car tomorrow. As for Franck, he made good progress with
suspension development on the R23. Overall, this week will just be about
checking everything is in order before leaving for Melbourne, and we are on
track so far."
19th February 2004
imola
test
Jarno Trulli, R24-01, 30 laps, 148 km
Fernando Alonso, R24-02, 49 laps, 242 km
Taking the majority of the
reports on today’s running (which puts Renault’s in the minority – they have
Massa as P1), Jarno was second quickest to Badoer’s Ferrari on a wet track.
Fernando was in fifth place, behind the two Saubers of Massa and Fisichella.
Of the Jordans, Pantano was just ahead of Heidfeld, with Minardi’s
Baumgartner brining up the rear.
Notes:
The day consisted of wet running.
A hydraulic problem delayed Trulli during the afternoon
but otherwise, both cars ran without problems.
Alonso reached maximum mileage with his 'A' spec
Melbourne engine, following his race simulation yesterday.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:
"A difficult final day owing to the cold, wet conditions, which meant
the circuit had very low levels of grip today. We nonetheless managed to reach
maximum mileage with Fernando's engine, and both drivers started learning
about the handling of the R24 in the wet."
18th February 2004
imola
test
Jarno Trulli, R24-01, 79 laps, 390 km
Fernando Alonso, R24-02, 108 laps, 533 km
Jarno was the fastest driver at Imola today, with
Fernando in 4th place behind Badoer’s Ferrari and Massa’s Sauber.
Third place man Badoer crashed at the Variente Alta during the day, damaging
the car and himself, but he was passed fit to continue tomorrow.
Chassis programme:
The drivers concentrated on set-up work during race distance running.
Tyre programme:
Work continued with both cars on tyre selection for the first races of the
season.
Other Notes:
Trulli completed the mileage on his A spec Melbourne engine during a morning
race distance. With poor weather forecast for tomorrow, Alonso attempted to
run a full weekend mileage during the day, but fell short owing to numerous
red flags. He will complete his engine mileage tomorrow.
Pat Symonds, Executive
Director of Engineering:
"Once more, the team experienced a productive day's work. We ran a huge
number of laps, and indeed Jarno reached a record engine mileage on his 'A'
spec unit. Both drivers have continued to be positive in their feedback
throughout their race distances, and the car is very consistent on long runs.
Poor weather is forecast for tomorrow, but we will make the most of our track
time, whatever the conditions."
17th February 2004
imola
test
Jarno Trulli, R24-01, 85 laps, 419 km
Fernando Alonso, R24-02, 78 laps, 385 km
Renault F1 took two R24 chassis testing for the first
time this week, in the hand of the two race drivers. Also at Imola were
Sauber and Jordan, and naturally, Renault’s Alonso and Trulli were first and
second respectively on the time sheets.
Chassis programme:
Trulli and Alonso spent the morning on set-up work, evaluating suspension
changes from Jerez last week as well as extending this programme.
Tyre programme:
Both drivers conducted tyre testing for the first races of the season during
the afternoon.
Other Notes:
Trulli ran the Melbourne specification engine during the day, and encountered
no problems. His engine programme concentrated on fine-tuning mapping.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:
"A pleasing first day at Imola: in spite of the slightly shorter running
hours at this circuit, we have completed a total 800km today with the two
cars and made good progress with our programme. We experienced no reliability
problems, and both drivers are reporting the new car to be a good improvement
over the kerbs relative to its predecessor. All in all, a very satisfying day
of testing."
12th February 2004
jerez
test
Jarno Trulli, R24-01, 91 laps, 404 km
Franck Montagny, R23-05, 90 laps, 399 km
Franck Montagny was fastest today, in the old R23B, with
Jarno third in the R24, sandwiching Sato in the BAR. The Saubers also had a
good day in 4th and 5th, beating 2 McLarens, 2 Williams
and a Ferrari! And a couple of Jaguars and a Jordan….but you’d expect that!
Chassis programme:
Trulli continued set-up work with the R24, and made
gradual improvements. He also practiced manual starts. Montagny completed the
ride programme with the R23.
Tyre programme:
Montagny conducted some tyre evaluation, completing a
longer run on Melbourne-spec tyres.
Other Notes:
The latest 'Z' specification RS24 successfully reached
its maximum mileage today. The gearbox was changed on the R23.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:
"It was the same story today as previously in the
week: we completed our programme, and ran competitively and reliably with the
new car. We didn't have any problems, and we are extremely pleased with the
work we have accomplished this week."
11th February 2004
jerez
test
Jarno Trulli, R24-01, 101 laps, 447 km
Franck Montagny, R23-05, 109 laps, 483 km
BAR’s Button and Sato occupied the two fastest time slots
today, with Franck Montagny third. Then came Ralf Schumacher, closely
followed by Jarno, who ran a race distance in the R24 today, despite several
interruptions for red flags. McLaren were languishing down in 7th
and 9th places, but ahead of Badoer’s Ferrari in 10th.
Chassis programme:
Trulli continued his suspension set-up programme, finding further
improvements. He also conducted damper work, applying data collected with the
R23 over the winter to the R24. Montagny completed work on a ride programme
in the R23.
Tyre programme:
Trulli evaluated Melbourne specification tyres during his afternoon race
distance. Montagny also conducted tyre development during the afternoon.
Other Notes:
Trulli completed a race distance with the R24 in the afternoon, running the
engine to the end of its mileage. The simulation was completed in three
parts, although running was also disrupted by red flags. He also practiced
manual starts.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:
"Once again, a very positive day for the team. Jarno had a good day in
the R24, completing a problem-free race distance and also reporting
consistent engine performance throughout. We also continued to make progress
with the car's set-up and overall, we are very pleased to have had a
reliable, productive session today."
10th February 2004
jerez
test
Jarno Trulli, R24-01, 64 laps, 283 km
Franck Montagny, R23-05, 88 laps, 390 km
Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, BAR, Jaguar and Jordan are all
in Jerez for testing this week. On this first day, Jarno was second quickest
to Jenson Button’s BAR, with Franck Montagny 7th. Giorgio Pantano
was testing for Jordan, finishing bottom of the time sheets.
Chassis programme:
Trulli began a programme of set-up work with the R24, focusing primarily on
suspension settings. He reported improved performance over kerbs compared to
the R23. Montagny conducted differential development with the R23.
Tyre programme:
Montagny completed performance evaluations of the Melbourne tyre options. The
candidates for selection will be tested over a race distance on the R24
tomorrow.
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:
"We had a positive first day at Jerez, completing 64 laps with the new
car in spite of a small few niggles. Jarno reported improved performance over
the kerbs and was very positive in his feedback. Franck completed useful tyre
work for Melbourne, and tomorrow's programme for the R24 will build upon his
conclusions."
5th February 2004
barcelona
test
Fernando Alonso, R24-01, 75 laps, 348 km
Franck Montagny, R23-05, 77 laps, 357 km
Williams’ Montoya was the fastest driver today at
Barcelona, on a day when it was Olivier Panis’ turn to have a big crash and
finish up in hospital for observation. Alonso was second fastest, and
Montagny 4th in the R23b.
Chassis programme:
Alonso conducted set-up work on the R24, working through
a range of spring levels and different downforce levels during the day.
Montagny conducted set-up work with the R23, concentrating on ways of
maximising the performance of the 2004 specification tyres.
Tyre programme:
Alonso conducted a test of different tyre constructions with the R24. In
particular, one front construction showed improvements on longer runs. In the
R23, Montagny continued his programme from yesterday, making longer runs on
different tyre compounds.
Other Notes:
A precautionary gearbox change was conducted on the R24 during the day.
Comment:
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering:
"We had a satisfying final day of testing, which rounds off a very
positive week's work. We are achieving all our reliability targets with the
R24 and while we can always look to make progress in terms of performance, we
are nonetheless satisfied with the current situation. Franck put in plenty of
miles with the R23, and is continuing to find useful developments with the
old car."
The Renault F1 Team will next test at Jerez from February
10-12, with Jarno Trulli (R24) and Franck Montagny (R23).
4th February 2004
barcelona
test
Fernando Alonso, R24-01, 104 laps, 482 km
Franck Montagny, R23-05, 82 laps, 380 km
Fernando Alonso was the fastest
man today, on a day that was marked by a red flag for a Felipe Massa accident,
that saw him taken to hospital, although he was later released, having
escaped serious injury when the car rolled over several times. A front
suspension failure was thought to be the cause. Montagny was 6th
quickest.
Chassis programme:
Alonso conducted a full race distance simulation in the
morning, in three parts. The simulation also included several set-up
evaluations.
Tyre programme:
In the afternoon, Alonso tested new front tyre constructions. Montagny
evaluated new compounds throughout the day: encouraging results will see
certain of these tested further tomorrow.
Other Notes:
A routine engine change was conducted on Alonso's car at midday, after the
previous unit had reached its mileage limit.
Comments:
Fernando Alonso:
"We had another good day. I am feeling more and more confident in the
car, and it is gradually becoming much better to drive. It was encouraging to
once again complete a race distance without any problems this morning. There
is still room to improve, but we are definitely moving in the right
direction."
Pat Symonds:
"The R24 ran nearly faultlessly today, and we were extremely pleased
with the results. Fernando set his fastest time during this afternoon's tyre
test, but we were once again very encouraged by his consistency on longer
runs. Franck also had a productive day, and tested tyre compounds that merit
further investigation tomorrow."
3rd February 2004
barcelona
test
Fernando
Alonso R24-01 71 laps, 329 km
Franck Montagny R23-05 63 laps, 292 km
Renault return to Barcelona
this week with Fernando Alonso and Franck Montagny testing. Alonso was 2nd
fastest an Montagny 6th. Fastest overall was Takuma Sato, as BAR
continue to try to prove how fast they are by taking all the fuel out and
going for it. Williams, Ferrari, McLaren, Toyota and Sauber are also
present.
Chassis programme:
Alonso concentrated on set-up work throughout the day. He also tested small
developments to the car's on-board systems. Results were reassuring, with the
car responding as predicted. The team has now also largely completed the
initial programme of establishing the car's basic cooling configuration.
Tyre programme:
Montagny conducted a programme checking the effect of set-up changes on the
2004 specification tyres.
Other Notes:
Alonso also tested minor engine modifications on the RS24.
Comment:
Fernando Alonso:
"It was a good first day of testing. The new car has confirmed my good
first impressions from two weeks ago, and it behaved as expected when we
worked through the chassis programme. The car is consistent on long runs, and
I am happy with the progress we have made so far."
Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering
"In spite of numerous interruptions owing to red flags, we experienced a
productive day at Barcelona and in total, Fernando's mileage with the R24
today was equivalent to just over a race distance. We were pleased to see the
car react to our changes as we had expected."
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