Fernando Alonso, R29-04, 103 laps, 456 km, fastest lap 1:18.343
The ING Renault F1 Team completed another day of testing at the Jerez circuit in the South of Spain today as Fernando Alonso completed his final day of work ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, ending the session at the top of the timesheets.
Again conditions were ideal with track temperatures in the region of 35˚C to give the team some valuable hot weather running. Fernando concentrated on an aero programme as the team approved the final developments items that will be taken to Melbourne for next weeks race.
Nelson Piquet takes over the R29 for the teams final day of running tomorrow to complete the teams pre-season preparations.
Fernando Alonso: Im happy with the day as we did more than a 100 laps which was our target for my final day of winter testing. This has been the first time we have run on a really hot track and the information we have from today will be very useful for the first few races, which are usually very hot. Im also a bit sad that this is the final test of the year with my test team, but I will see them at the factory soon. I have to say thanks for the amazing job they have done this winter because we are really well prepared for the new season. We can go to Australia knowing that we have maximised the time we had available.
Christian Silk, Chief Test Engineer: We had a good day with lots of work to get through and we ran to programme pretty much all day. The conditions were good for testing as it was hot which leaves us well prepared for Melbourne and overall we were happy with the results that weve got. I just want to say a big thanks to Fernando for the excellent job he has had done this winter: hes such a good test driver and has worked hard to leave us well prepared for the start of the season.