Renault experience a slower day 2 at Silverstone!

By role
June 3 2004

The Renault F1 team continued the preparation of the Canadian and US Grand Prix by knocking kilometers at Silverstone on Wednesday. This time, however, Alonso could not top the times as their long runs meant their times were going to be far from the best of the day.

It was Japanese driver Takuma Sato who was going to lead the field with a best time of 1.18.096 after 68 laps with his BAR-Honda. Another Japanese motor, this time a Toyota, claimed the second spot with Da Matta posting a 1.18.142 after 124 laps followed by the Ferrari of Michael Schumacher who finished third with a best of 1.18.294 after completing a total of 72 laps to the British track.

It was a busy day for the Renault drivers who concentrated on tyre testing with performance runs on the morning and endurance work in the afternoon. Jarno trulli finished with the 7th best time of the day after completing 128 laps, 658 kms, with a best time of 1.19.102. His teammate, Fernando Alonso, drove 85 laps, 437 kms, to set a best time marginally slower of 1.19.155 to finish just behind the Italian.

Chief Test Engineer Christian Silk was quite sattisifed after the practice:

"A very positive day for us, particularly on the engine side as we reached our targets with the engine evolutions planned for Canada. The rest of the day was dedicated to testing tyre compounds, and we found some interesting improvements." He said.

The sunny and worm conditions were benefitial and testing should resume today at the British track.