After more than a month's testing in Spain, the Renault F1 Team today completed its winter test programme ahead of the start of the 2006 season in Bahrain where official test driver Heikki Kovalainen was at the wheel to conclude the team's 2006 winter programme.

 It was a productive day, as the Finn completed a 126 lap programme, and was pleased with his performance. His running consisted of ten medium distance runs, conducting tyre testing for Michelin. Overall, this was an important final day ahead of the season opening race, and the team is now looking forward to assessing its competitiveness in race conditions.

"This was a very good final day of testing,” said Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer, “The car was running well, and we completed a major tyre development programme, which means we can go to the first races in good shape. Heikki did a great job again today, and gave us very good feedback on our work. The team is really pleased with the work we have done so far. We have made good progress, and everybody has worked extremely hard to be as ready as possible for the start of the season. It is important to say a big thank-you to every member of the test team for the hard work they have done over the last eight weeks."

Renault