Trulli leads at Imola!

By role
February 19 2004

The Renault F1 team continued yesterday with their testing of the new R24 car in preparation for the upcoming Australian GP. The aim of the team is to test tyres and also the reliability of the new package. Specially the new engine RS24.

Fernando Alonso's aim was to run a full weekend mileage during the day, but could not complete it due to the high amount of red flags.

However, Alonso was able to complete 108 laps, 533 km, to post a best time of 1.21.683 to finish 4th in the timesheets.

The session was dominated by a Renault once again with the Italian Jarno Trulli posting a time of 1.21.241 after 79 laps.

There was no intention to challenge the clock by neither of the drivers as they both tested tyres and set-up work during race distance running.

“Once more, the team experienced a productive day’s work. We ran a huge number of laps, and indeed Jarno reached a record engine mileage on his ‘A’ spec unit. Both drivers have continued to be positive in their feedback throughout their race distances, and the car is very consistent on long runs. Poor weather is forecast for tomorrow, but we will make the most of our track time, whatever the conditions.” Said Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering.

Both Ferrari and Minardi joint the test yesterday. Luca Badoer's Ferrari posted the third best time with a 1.21.421 just shy of the best time of Felipe Massa on his Sauber who finished second with a 1.21.265.

The Minardi of Bruni finished last behind the Jordans of Pantano an Heidfeld with a time of 1.23.999 after completing 65 laps.