The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team commenced its 2004-5 winter track program today at Barcelona with new recruit Giancarlo Fisichella and Franck Montagny behind the wheel. For Fisichella, it was his first test with the team in preparation for the 2005 season, while Montagny conducted tyre, brake and systems development.
Unfortunately, Fisichella's running was delayed by electrical problems during the morning, but he subsequently began his acclimatization to the car and team.
"Overall, I am pleased with how things went today,” he said. “Although I didn't get out on the circuit until midday, we did over thirty laps and I was able to begin learning about the car, the engine and the tyres. Everything was new for me, but I was impressed with what I found: the tyre performance is good, and the engine was strong at low revs. The car is not yet balanced how I want it for my driving style, but we are going in the right direction and it is getting more comfortable. It was a good start to the week."
Test Team Chief Engineer Christian Silk echoed the Italian's positive comments…
"It is good to be back testing again, and we have a heavy program to complete this winter. Giancarlo's first day with the team was delayed by electrical problems, but his acclimatization to the car went smoothly after that and we began making progress with the set-up. As for Franck, the major part of his program this week will be devoted to tyre testing but in addition to this, he complete brake development during the morning session before working on set-ups in the afternoon."
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