Renault has began its final mid season test

By Renault F1
July 20 2006

This week’s Jerez test marks the final opportunity for the teams to test prior to the summer testing ban. In light of this, 15 cars were in action in southern Spain, with the Renault F1 Team represented by Heikki Kovalainen and Jose Maria Lopez.

The Renault F1 Team began its final mid-season test today in Jerez, with Heikki Kovalainen and Jose Maria Lopez at the wheel.


Both drivers completed busy programmes. Heikki focused on tyre testing throughout the day, both for longer-term development and also work for the upcoming Hockenheim race. Jose Maria ran for much of the day in low downforce configuration in preparation for the race in Monza, and also conducted general R&D work.

Chief Test Engineer Christian Silk commented: “We had a normal, productive day of testing to open our week in Jerez. Heikki ran through a pretty intensive tyre programme and found some good solutions to take forward, both for Hockenheim and for general development. Jose didn’t have an easy task today, running in low downforce configuration to put miles on the car. With a less than optimum set-up for this circuit, he kept the car on track and completed a useful R&D programme. There were no major issues on either car, and we completed over 200 laps in total – an encouraging mileage for the opening day of a test.”

Pos. Driver Team Tires Time Laps
1 P. de la Rosa McLaren 01:17.547 85
2 H. Kovalainen Renault 01:18.029 128
3 A. Davidson Honda 01:18.200 107
4 J. Button Honda 01:18.273 82
5 G. Paffett McLaren 01:18.518 93
6 R. Kubica BMW 01:18.753 82
7 R. Doornbos Red Bull 01:18.982 52
8 R. Zonta Toyota 01:18.986 123
9 A. Wurz Williams 01:19.140 93
10 O. Panis Toyota 01:19.143 87
11 J.M. López Renault 01:19.394 87
12 D. Coulthard Red Bull 01:19.459 65
13 N. Heidfeld BMW 01:19.560 96
14 N. Jani Scuderia Toro Rosso 01:20.379 51
15 G. Mondini Midland F1 01:21.041 85