| Re: The Malaysian GP
Renault admit pace flattered by low fuel
06 aprile 2007
Renault's Pat Symonds has played down suggestions that the reigning world champions might pose a challenge to the frontrunners at Sepang this weekend.
Mere tenths slower than Felipe Massa's pace-setting Ferrari, Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen were second and third quickest in the second practice session on Friday.
But Italian Fisichella, who has the 'flu, reported that his R27 is still "lacking grip".
The team's veteran engineering director Symonds explained: "It is relatively obvious that we were running lower fuel and new tyres at the right time of the session."
The Renault duo's quick times were also set with the softer tyres, which are clearly distinguishable at Sepang thanks to a stark white strip painted inside a groove.
Meanwhile, while Renault looked a little more competitive in Malaysia, Honda runners Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello failed to deliver the small improvement that was promised after last week's test here at Sepang.
The pair languished near the bottom of the timesheets on Friday, and Barrichello in the second session was even slower than runners for Toro Rosso and Spyker.
"It's simply the case that we have had a very bad day," the Brazilian said.
Source: GMM/ duemotori |