16/01/2007
NEWS STORY
The first test of 2007 got underway today, with Renault and Williams in action at Jerez.
Following an aerodynamic evaluation at Silverstone last week, Renault put a further 90 miles on the clock of the R27, running in an interim livery, which was driven by Giancarlo Fisichella.
The Italian's programme was devoted to basic systems checks and accumulating mileage with the new car. As always, the first day of running included detailed checks of all new components every time the car returned to the garage, with the team gradually increasing the length of the runs as the day progressed.
Fisichella completed 33 laps, and gave positive initial feedback about the car's performance. However, his running was cut short by an engine problem during the final run of the day. Its cause will be analysed and identified by the team this evening.
Also on track was Kazuki Nakajima in the Williams in the interin FW28, the Japanese driver finishing the day just 0.276s down on the Renault, having completed 95 laps..
"Kazuki was sharing the track with the Renault of Fisichella, so running was very straightforward in terms of being able to keep to our programme," said the Grove outfit's test team manager Mike Condliffe. "We worked on the development of the traction control system and car set-up, as well as getting some mileage built up on various mechanical parts. Kazuki performed well again today, fitting in easily with the testing regime.
"We continue work tomorrow when we will be joined by Super Aguri," he added.
Today's Times - All Times Unofficial
| Name | Team | T | Laps | Time | Gap |
| Fisichella | Renault | B | 33 | 1:20.698 | 122.743 mph |
| Nakajima | WilliamsF1 | B | 95 | 1:20.974 | 0.276 |