Fan Club Test Day at Silverstone

Silverstone Test, Wednesday 4^th June 2003

40 fan club members were at Silverstone for Renault F1’s pre-Grand Prix test, where Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso were both due to drive the R23. Unfortunately, the normally unstable Silverstone weather had other ideas. As the drivers were sitting in their cars awaiting the 10a.m. klaxon to begin the test, it began to rain. When it became apparent that this was not just a light shower, Renault took the decision to abort the test for that day: test days are precious for the “Heathrow” teams, who test on Friday mornings at GPs and in return accept testing restrictions the rest of the time. This way, not being sure how soon the rain would stop….if at all…..the team saved 2 single car test days. 

Photo by Andrew Lake

Photo by Darren Price

 Fortunately, the other teams…..Williams, Toyota and Jordan…..did provide some cars to watch and the rain stopped by lunchtime. As well as watching the cars from the patio area of our suite overlooking the pitlane, several of our members took the opportunity to drive around the inside of the circuit and watch the cars on track from unusual vantage points. And thanks to Renault F1, those who preferred to soak up the atmosphere in the paddock, were able to do so in the morning as well as the afternoon.  Released from his testing duties, Jarno was first required to make an appearance for Renault F1 at their BRDC suite, before running across the car park to see us. First, he very kindly agreed to have some photos taken outside with some autistic children, on a day out with