The Renault team was back in action today to begin its preparations for Sunday's season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo.

Cool and overcast conditions greeted the team this morning with the threat of rain in the air as the opening free practice session got underway. Some light rain did fall, but both sessions were held in largely dry conditions allowing the team to complete maximum mileage and collect important data.

Both Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet enjoyed productive sessions as the team worked through its technical program of set-up work and tyre evaluation. Both drivers were comfortably in the top ten in both sessions, with Fernando topping the timesheets in the afternoon. The team will look to build on the work completed today in the final practice session tomorrow to be in good shape for qualifying.

"The day has gone well,” Alonso said. “We have been able to complete our programme without any problems and we have recorded lots of interesting data. We still need to work hard to improve the car in time for tomorrow, but I'm pleased with my day."