By Renault F1
April 27 2006

At the wheel for the final day of testing, Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen completed a three-day programme at the Silverstone circuit today in preparation for the British Grand Prix. Fisichella topped the time sheets
After three days of testing, track conditions were good enough to complete meaningful tyre testing in spite of slightly cold conditions.. The Renault drivers were able to run an important development programme with our partner Michelin and it was once again a productive day for the team in spite of the numerous red flags.

At the end of the session, the Renault F1 Team covered 228 laps with the two cars and the drivers performed well once again as Giancarlo Fisichella set the fastest lap-time in 1:18.518. Heikki Kovalainen set the third-fastest lap-time in 1:19.103.

Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: “It was a good day once again for us. Heikki was back at the wheel today and focused on tyre testing as Giancarlo firstly worked on set-up changes and then on a tyre programme as well. The car performed very well during the week and the drivers were happy with its performance. We had good pace here and we know that Silverstone is a good barometer of overall performance, and particularly aerodynamic performance. That indicates the great job our aero department is doing, as well as all the people at Enstone and Viry who are working flat out at the moment. We are looking forward to seeing how things shape up at the British Grand Prix in two months’ time.”

The Renault F1 Team will next be testing at Paul Ricard from May 16 to May 18, 2006.

1 G. Fisichella Renault 01:18.518 127
2 K. Räikkönen McLaren 01:18.983 93
3 H. Kovalainen Renault 01:19.103 101
4 C. Klien Red Bull 01:19.562 32
5 R. Barrichello Honda 01:19.620 70
6 JP. Montoya McLaren 01:19.682 41
7 A. Davidson Honda 01:19.767 142
8 S. Speed Scuderia Toro Rosso 01:20.08 84
9 D. Coulthard Red Bull 01:20.055 87
10 M. Webber Williams 01:20.409 99
11 R. Kubica BMW 01:20.924 104
12 C. Albers Midland F1 01:20.988 42
13 A. Wurz Williams 01:21.189 108
14 G. Paffett McLaren 01:21.888 7
15 A. Sutil Midland F1 01:25.394 10