Piquet and Renault try 2009 rubber
The primary target for the day was to test the slick tires that have been made available to all teams, in anticipation of their possible return in 2009. Three sets were available for each car.
The team’s work focused on data acquisition concerning the tires’ behavior and the car’s handling in this configuration, as well as conducting some comparative tests between 2007 and 2009 configurations in order to collect as much information as possible.
Piquet ultimately ran a slightly shortened program following a morning off and subsequent delays, but he nevertheless collected interesting data during the day. After covering a total of 71 laps, he finished the day sixth on the timesheets, with a best lap of 1:19.982s.
Nelson Piquet
“It was frustrating to lose track time this morning, but the team did a great job to get the car ready again, and we got back on track before lunch and began the program. I think we did a good job today, and the team managed to collect some important data."
Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer
“From an engineering point of view, working with new tires always presents an interesting challenge. They demand different set-ups and also require different styles from the drivers, and that is always a productive experience. It could have been a better day for the team, after our delays this morning, but we are still satisfied with what we learned today." Source Renault