Paul Ricard Testing, Day 3, 16 May 2008

Friday 16 May 2008 | RF1 Paddock Pass

| Day 3 | Testing | Paul Ricard | Nelson Piquet

The final day of testing here and the poor weather that was predicted for the week has finally showed up.

It's not raining yet, but a quick glance to the sky confirms that the heavens look certain to open at some point. I suppose we have been lucky to have had two beautiful days on Wednesday and Thursday.

For the final day Nelson remains in the R28, but the team has shifted its attention to preparing for next month's Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. It's a radically different circuit to Monaco where you need a car with with straight-line speed and good braking characteristics. So the Paul Ricard circuit has been changed over night to a different configuration, which is adds another 25 seconds to the lap.

This will give the team a chance to see how the R28 behaves in low-downforce configuration. The day will start with some aero work this morning, and then like yesterday the team will resume the R&D programme, trying out some new developments on the car, as well as evaluating the set-up and balance of the R28. Then, time and weather permitting, the team will do some qualifying simulation - there was not time for this yesterday and so the team will try and squeeze it in today.

Overall the test has been a positive one for the team. Most of the objectives have been achieved, the car has shown good reliability and both Lucas and Nelson has been happy with the work completed. Check back later for updates and times throughout the day, as well as some more behind-the-scenes photos.

Now that's what I call a threatening sky!

The fans used to cool the car's brakes when it comes into the pit - a bit like hairdryers.

A chance to see an F1 driver's seat out of the car. Carbon fibre and not much padding.

Nelson gets snapped first thing this morning.

Preparing for his installation lap - squeezing into the tight confines of the R28.

A very wet Paul Ricard.

Comments

Friday 16 May 2008 at 09:57:37 by yasING-RENAULT

why R28 hasn't got radical upgrades france is our home we must do some radical upgrades may be bmw style to win some down force ı hoped we do radical upgrade in france but we dont do it

Friday 16 May 2008 at 10:13:51 by manuStudio

Hello, Thanks RF1PP for those great photos again.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 10:27:40 by Schumacher

Thank a lot RF1 PP

Friday 16 May 2008 at 10:29:06 by Diki

Thanks RF1PP great photos,"Nelson gets snapped first thing this morning"My favorite

Friday 16 May 2008 at 10:55:03 by theBlueOrangeLion

Hallo, dear droogies, I woke up to a glorious morning. And Hebdo-Libido magazine didn't disappoint me this time:

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/ne ...

I've been saying it since Super Aguri went bust - we must get Sato on board for 2009 campaign, he's damn good these days and he's one of the biggest PR machines in modern F1. I think Nissan sales would rise dramatically in Japan.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 10:59:28 by yasING-RENAULT

no sato I think romain grosjean must be our driver in 2009 We must take a place to romain grosjean we escaped robert kubica we mustn't escape romain grosjean flav must give him nelson's car

Friday 16 May 2008 at 11:14:08 by ZackGem

I think it woul be better to "loan" Ramain to a nother team in 2009, and then get him back for 2010.
We have now seen both Heiki and Nelson suffer a lot as a rockie in the RF1 teame. I don´t thin it is the for the teame to get a rockie every year. And not got for the rockie either.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 11:17:52 by yasING-RENAULT

romain is new alonso of f1 we should give a car to him he is a huge talent

Friday 16 May 2008 at 11:18:20 by RF1 Paddock Pass

I'm pleased that you guys liked the photos. There are no radical upgrades to the R28, but lots of small developments as the team hones the R28. But don't worry, the team is not relaxing and further steps are planned for later in the year.

There's not that much action here in Paul Ricard at the moment as we've had rain falling for most of the morning. Nelson has done 22 laps, but the team will wait for conditions to improve before getting down to some more serious work.

As we've stressed many times before, you have to treat what you read with caution. F1 thrives on rumour, but most of the time they have very little credibility. Everybody knows that Nelson's start to the season has been tough, just like Heikki's was last year. What I can tell you is that the team is impressed with his speed, and his technical feedback, and he has a great relationship with the team. We've only done five out of eighteen races and so there is still an awful long way to go. Nelson will bounce back soon. Don't worry.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 12:00:55 by Diki

Great interview:"I am really motivated"
http://www.ing-renaultf1.com/en/index200 ...
Thanks for interview

Friday 16 May 2008 at 13:07:33 by RF1 Paddock Pass

Still cold and rainy at Paul Ricard. Nelson's near the top of the times, but the team has had to put its programme on hold for the moment. Still Nelson has been able to practice some starts and check some of the car's systems.

1 TRU 1:31.360 26
2 PIQ 1:31.634 36
3 DLR 1:32.143 36
4 VET 1:32.480 49
5 MAS 1:33.246 19
6 HEI 1:33.371 30
7 BUE 1:34.064 16
8 FIS 1:34.071 31
9 BUT 1:36.501 16
10 HUL 1:44.741 23

Friday 16 May 2008 at 13:11:07 by em7

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php ...

"Di Grassi completed Renault's first day of running at Paul Ricard on Wednesday, but his efforts were cut short by an engine problem in the afternoon that prevented him for putting in a quick time at the end of the day."

err... engine problem?

RF1PP, Should we be worried? I thought our reliability in these tests was pretty good.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 13:19:21 by RF1 Paddock Pass

Nothing to worry about em7. Remember how many laps Lucas completed! The whole point of testing is precisely that - to test things and identify any problems before we get to the race.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 13:36:36 by em7

Yeah, I remember: 146 laps. I know, better now than in a race. Has the problem been identified? I just worry about the engine. Shame about the weather today, I hope it improves so you can complete the test without any niggles.

Thanks for the photos.
The seat looks incredibly uncomfortable!
Is that really it? Seriously, how do the drivers do it? I don't think I'll ever complain about a long car journey again... at least my driving seat is upholstered!

Friday 16 May 2008 at 13:37:24 by Blackmadonna

@Dik thats true its a nice interview, and Fernando saying the right things here, being content with the team and enjoying everything. And thats how it should be.

I hope the rain is not ruining the testing session completely, and thank you for the pictures, the seats don't look really comfortable to me...lol.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 13:38:05 by Blackmadonna

@em7 that was a double...i just thought the same

Friday 16 May 2008 at 13:45:04 by em7

@ Blackmadonna - great minds think alike! (don't think it's the 1st time I've said that to you! so it must be true lol!)

Friday 16 May 2008 at 13:48:18 by amc

Mornin/afternoon...

Firstly, I really like the stance Nelson is taking: If you can't show off your talent, just show off your looks! :p He's at least got the posing down to near perfection...

Yes, I read that story about a 'shootout' between sato and others - and didn't believe a word. I just couldn't see it as something Renault would do so hastily.

The thing to remember about F1-Live and some other similar websites with the same stories, is that they all get their news from GMM, which like a few news agencies I can mention are analagous to tabloid newspapers - churn out the stories, be it true or not...all you have to do is put a spin on a rumour or quote and hey presto you have a news item to sell on.

Everything deserves the benefit of the doubt; but it's best not to take anything at face value unless there's more credible confirmation.

Looks like they are getting some laps in despite the bad weather...

Friday 16 May 2008 at 13:51:35 by Vaidas

I don't worry about engine, I am happy with this one;""I think with the parts we tested, we made quite a big improvement," the Brazilian told autosport.com. "
Maybe we worked with some traction troubles?

Friday 16 May 2008 at 14:06:08 by yasING-RENAULT

maybe we should use bmw style front wing to earn some down force maybe we should upgrade engine like ferrari ferrari upgrade a new oil system and earn alot of time

Friday 16 May 2008 at 14:13:18 by dilettante

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/photolarge.php ...

Is this a chnage? I think it was less curvy before...Searching for similar pics in spanish GP so can't confirm it.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 14:29:09 by Carib

I can`t believe what i read here.Nelson is a very fast and young Driver and learn his Job from the ground.I´m sure he will grow up in the Renault and have a lot of success in the future, and his favourite tracks,Monaco, Silverstone, Spa, Budapest coming soon. And Flavo say it right,he is a member from the Renault F1 team and all he need is our support and a little bit Time and he became a real champignon

Friday 16 May 2008 at 14:30:11 by theBlueOrangeLion

I posted the Sato story because it was so crazy, this hebdo-libido thing is really something.

I think Heikki had his first 100% decent weekend only in Indianapolis, before that it wasn't a very successful season for him either. Nelson knows the team and the team know him so it's a win-win situation, last time we dropped a driver (Trulli in 2004) his substitute didn't produce great results, so it's just silly season again. But I kinda like Sato, he's crazy just like your humble servant.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 14:33:25 by theBlueOrangeLion

Champignon's a mushroom, Carib, I think it's gotta be "champion". I don't want Nelson to turn into a giant mushroom driving around in circles in R28.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 14:35:29 by theBlueOrangeLion

But yeah, I agree with you, Carib. I posted the story just for fun, the blog seemed sort of sleepy yesterday, I thought I'd start a discussion or something.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 15:21:50 by alma

This is Shame ..... and the world´s porr from hurner because they do not have money to eat anything .
Lewis Hamilton in Mónaco take a helmet with diamonds embedded -

Friday 16 May 2008 at 15:22:59 by alma

Sorry poor -

Friday 16 May 2008 at 15:35:27 by theBlueOrangeLion

Lewis is bound to do it because I think he has a clause in his contract that he must do a bit of PR work for the team. The diamonds are not his. Anyway, I don't see what's it got to do with Renault?

F1 drivers are all very rich people and we can't blame world food crisis on any of them. I think Schu donated some money to tsunami victims in 2004 but that's about it. If F1 is to blame for every bad bit of news on the planet then we must send the entire F1 circus to jail. It's pointless exercise trying to blame a driver for his contractual obligations.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 15:37:09 by dray

I dunno BLO, the way his race results have been ...

It does make you wonder about Renaults driver selection process though. A new (to F1) driver 2 years in a row, 2 years in a row of them needing a handful of races to find their feet.

Heikki's performances this year arent exactly showing that Renault were right to let him go.

Right now Renault are 6th in the constructors championship and a large part of the reason why is that only 1 driver has been scoring points.

Im sure he'll come good eventually, the only question is if it will be too late to aim for even 4th place by then.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 15:37:21 by alonsosrkn

@20 yasING-RENAULT
Dear friend, i can not understand anything that you wrote in English. I think you have to study hard for your English lessons
I hope Di Grassi comments shows the true picture and we will be more closer to top 3 teams in Monte Carlo and the forthcoming races...

Come on RF1 Team; we will looking forward and wish to fight for podiums and victories in the near future...

Friday 16 May 2008 at 15:47:13 by alma

FOR BlueOrangeLion : Has nothing to do with Renault , but what I think is an injusticie -

Friday 16 May 2008 at 16:01:27 by theBlueOrangeLion

If it's injustice then Monaco GP should be condemned on the basis of it? I think it's injustice that Lewis can't donate me his diamond-studded helmet, I would appreciate his move if he did. I'm not particularly worried about world's biggest problems because I don't cause them, it's up to Bono and Bill Gates to sort these things out, I prefer his music and not his social actions. I think I'll be able to enjoy Monaco GP with or without global food crisis. A quick note - I didn't donate a thing to World Food Bank campaign when it was in my area and I'm proud of myself. All the teams will be doing crazy PR things in Monaco, it's a good show, I'd rather enjoy it than think of something that can't be solved.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 16:01:35 by f1angel

I'm just so excited right now! I got my package for my trip to Montreal and the guest driver that I'm meeting at the VIP party on that Friday night is Jarno Trulli! I can't wait!

Friday 16 May 2008 at 16:08:16 by theBlueOrangeLion

Yeah, Dray, I know - two rookies in two years. Flav is getting a taste for it. Last year HK was the right choice and he scored nearly the same number of points as Kubica who was in a superior car. Somehow I think we had more luck last year and less technical problems, the cars weren't so fast but at the same were very reliable, Fisi had some problems in Spa but apart from that we were able to pick up many points when others had issues. Luck is also important in F1, Schu for example was lucky to win the championship in 2003 and in 2000 or even in 1994.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 16:10:04 by theBlueOrangeLion

Ooh, F1 Angel, it's gonna be a big one, nice!

Friday 16 May 2008 at 16:15:12 by manuStudio

hahaha @24

Friday 16 May 2008 at 16:31:15 by f1angel

@BOL,btw, how's his wine? cause they're gonna serve it there and I've never tried it!

Friday 16 May 2008 at 16:32:35 by yasING-RENAULT

@alonsosrkn ben türküm olum türkçede yazabilirsin zuhahhaha

Friday 16 May 2008 at 17:10:15 by manuStudio

Every year a new rookie, but I would not mind Grosjean who already won 4 GP2 races as a rookie. for 2009, Alonso & Grosjean...not bad,
Piquet Jr has had a big mouth and talked about all the great things he would have done, like beat Alonso on track, comeon stop the talk start the points.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 17:24:58 by eREr

It seems NP testing a brand new rear wing:

http://images.gpupdate.net/large/99718.j ...

http://images.gpupdate.net/large/99707.j ...

http://images.gpupdate.net/large/99746.j ...

Friday 16 May 2008 at 17:31:58 by RF1 Paddock Pass

The rain has finally stopped and the track has come back to life. Nelson has been out for some more laps on extreme wets as the team are keen to get some more miles on the car. But overall the team has had to rethink its programme and it has been difficult to get much work done of the Canada preparation done.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 17:39:02 by fraggle

thanks for the update Rf1pp. That sky really does look moody in the photo. Hope we get something achieved this afternoon despite the weather.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 17:40:19 by alonsonum1

come on renault give alonso a winning car!

Friday 16 May 2008 at 17:50:47 by Carib

@Manu Studio, you see Grosjean as a new Hamilton? but believe me,if you give any from the other 18 F1 Driver the Mclaren Cockpit, everybody have The same speed like Lewis.have a look at our Timo Glock against Jarno.Everybody knows he is extremly fast and have driven 4 F1 Races 2004 for Jordan ,a complete indy season (one win)and last year Gp2 incl.titel with Isport.and The result after 5 races "0"points.Lewis only defeat Nelson in GP2 2006 ,of course he drove the ART car(the best in the field)

Friday 16 May 2008 at 17:57:05 by Korrie

Wow - good for you, f1angel - my mum will be DEAD jealous!

A couple of pics for the ladies...

http://www.safety-car.net/galeria/albums ...

http://www.safety-car.net/galeria/albums ...

Friday 16 May 2008 at 18:03:07 by yasING-RENAULT

romain grosjean is new alonso he is great driver nelson is good gp2 driver but not good f1 driver I hope renault give a f1 car to romain grosjean like alonso-button

Friday 16 May 2008 at 18:14:47 by dray

@33: sssssssssh, you are making the rest of us jealous

Friday 16 May 2008 at 18:20:12 by mustang245

@ All- hey, I'm new here. Glad I 'finally' found it. @RF1PP- am I to understand Alonso has had no track time at Paul Ricard testing? Will he wait for Free Practise at Monte Carlo to add his touch? I suspect Renault presence at Paul Ricard to be for Piquet, who needs all the extra track time he can get...

Friday 16 May 2008 at 18:32:02 by manuStudio

I see Grosjean as Grosjean, Alonso is Alonso, Hamilton is Hamilton, they cannot be compared. and I hope Grosjean is so much better than Lewis, maybe he will be better than Alonso.

Friday 16 May 2008 at 18:35:25 by manuStudio

I see that Renault have invited some guest at Paul Ricard.
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/694/m ...

Friday 16 May 2008 at 18:54:26 by tchess23

manustudio a mis une magnfique photo du paul ricard
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/694/m ...

Friday 16 May 2008 at 18:57:55 by Carib

and what would you do if Romain don`t finish in the top eight after 5 races? who will be the next driver

Friday 16 May 2008 at 19:14:09 by RF1 Paddock Pass

The final times from a damp Paul Ricard:

1 TRU 1:31.360 26
2 PIQ 1:31.634 60
3 DLR 1:31.143 53
4 VET 1:32.480 49
5 MAS 1:33.246 19
6 HEI 1:33.371 30
7 BUE 1:34.064 16
8 FIS 1:34.071 31
9 BUT 1:36.501 19
10 SUT 1:43.877 13
11 HUL 1:44.741 35

Friday 16 May 2008 at 19:49:36 by alma

Goog work Nelsinho !!!!!!!!!congratuletion !!!!!

Friday 16 May 2008 at 20:16:12 by sultanofhyd

Well. De La Rosa did 1:31.143 so he must be in first posicion?

Friday 16 May 2008 at 20:18:10 by Carib

yes , good work Nelson

Friday 16 May 2008 at 20:30:41 by alma

For the expert :
I would like to know what things has been trying Nelsinho today in the r28 for Canadá , I do not know if my question can be answered or is a secret but I now that what evolved today has been positive job for development of , is true ??

Friday 16 May 2008 at 21:07:22 by alma

Thank Renault for news intervie Fernando Alonso : I am really motivated !!! very thak !!!!! goog intervie Alonso you are the gold !!!!!!

Friday 16 May 2008 at 22:24:47 by manuStudio

That's another new rear wing today
http://images.gpupdate.net/large/99707.j ...

Friday 16 May 2008 at 22:29:59 by manuStudio

more pics of PR.
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2/mar ...
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/9951/ ...

Saturday 17 May 2008 at 00:11:07 by theBlueOrangeLion

http://www.motorsport.com/photos/popup.a ...

RBR's been carrying some insane design on the sidepods. Newey IS a mad genius. I think the craziest designs are still to make their appearance this year but I sense this year's cars might beat 1970s cars in terms weird looks, it's great.

Saturday 17 May 2008 at 08:11:26 by manuStudio

Does anyone have a pic of the R28 bargeboard detail up close?

Saturday 17 May 2008 at 09:18:04 by myx4ever

I want to add one thing. Heikki had 3 points last year after 5 races and not a single DNF. Yeah, he didn't make top8 to gain points but at least he finished the race. As for Nelson, he is doing too many mistakes. Anyway, this year is a reconstruction year for Renault. We should be patient with nelson and maybe he will prove himself. If I were to pick a nr2 for Alonso I think I'd go with Heikki. I'm really startin' to like this guy a lot. Sato i think it's too much like"to the bal or the hospital", he's a bit kamikadze.

Saturday 17 May 2008 at 11:05:14 by adam20692

Yeh i agree i have to say i was very dissapointed when heikki left renault but hopefully piquet will become just as good if not better

Saturday 17 May 2008 at 11:30:18 by alma

Hello For expert :
Yesterday in Paul Ricard tested in a configuration longest reducing aerodynamic loads ( testing aerodynamics parts of r28 ) ?? is this true ??

Saturday 17 May 2008 at 12:31:07 by alma

For those who want to read the interviw yesterday that gave Alonso at Renault F1 Team in Spanish :
http://www.safety-car.net/article.php/fe ...

Saturday 17 May 2008 at 13:14:23 by f1angel

@Korrie on #45. I just couldn't contain myself, but I have the 2nd pic as my background pic for my website. He be HOT! ;D

Saturday 17 May 2008 at 14:24:57 by theBlueOrangeLion

If we get on the podium in Monaco I'll run around central London naked.

Saturday 17 May 2008 at 15:56:06 by alonsogirl76

Has anyone read todya about Hamilton's new diamond studded (?!) helmet for Monaco??? Was in the new mobile edition of Planet-F1.

Saturday 17 May 2008 at 16:10:31 by f1angel

@69, I read it, saw the pics, and even seen the videoclip! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGxBREUu_ ...

Saturday 17 May 2008 at 17:03:30 by alma

Fernando Alonso in Mónaco can overcome the barrier of 500 points !
Alonso , who debuted in F1 in a Minardi , succeeded last Sunday in Estambul to lie just one point to cross the barrier of 500 points , a figure that very few Pilots have achieved so far .
In the History of the F1 Pilots who had joined more points with Schumacher is 1369 points , followed by Prost with 798,5 points and Senna with 614 points .
Of the Pilots in assects , only outnumber Alonso is the Scots Coulthard with 527 points and Braziliam Barrichello with 519 points .
Alonso won its first point in the 2003 Gran Prix of Australia , the race of his debut with Renault after a year as a fitting room in the Team of Flavio Briatore .The hundred of Hungary met in 2004 , two hundred an Germany in 2005 , three hundred Spain 2006 , the four hundred Bahrein 2007 .
Alonso we are amply going FIVE HUNDRED IN MÓNACO !!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday 17 May 2008 at 17:29:23 by alma

For alonsogirl76 video in :
http://www.marca.com/formula1/

Saturday 17 May 2008 at 21:40:12 by Carib

@ BLO, I`ve got a good feeling about the Monaco Gp.
I think Fernando will finish on 3rd and Nelson on 5th.Tell me when and where you want to run naked in London, I´ll be there and make a nice Video when you run and when the police coming and bring you to jail. But i think it`s worth to do do it for Nelson,Fernando and Renault F1

Sunday 18 May 2008 at 00:04:57 by f1angel

Somebody better get BOL's naked tushie on camera and post it on youtube! I think it'll be removed within seconds!

Sunday 18 May 2008 at 00:40:01 by theBlueOrangeLion

Yeah, well, I think FA will be aiming at 4th place in Monaco but if he manages better than that - I'll do it. But I'll only do it if BBC abd CNN agree to broadcasr this event live around the globe.

Sunday 18 May 2008 at 00:47:16 by theBlueOrangeLion

"CNN aNd BBC" & "broadcasT" of course; one more thing - I hear it's gonna rain in Monaco, at least Saturday and possibly Sunday. Last year's Saturday FP was terribly exciting to watch. Gotta go - I bought some new wine today, my last weekend was about rosé and this time I'm busy consuming white wine.

Sunday 18 May 2008 at 04:57:24 by amc

Guys, I thought you might like this pic:

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb32/ ...

How cute is he?! He's got the full suit on and everything...

On the case of rain at Monaco: well I think we might end up disappointed like last year where it rained all the way until the actual events, where the race ended up processional except the fascinating in-team battle between last year's McLaren drivers(which we shan't talk about!!).

I usually use weather.com which is spot on every time over the last 1 year I've used them; but they don't seem to have monte carlo registered! So for 10 day had to go to yahoo, and their forecasts are...

http://uk.weather.com/weather/10day-Mont ...

We'll see how that develops over the coming days.

Sunday 18 May 2008 at 12:16:30 by amc

I just read Fernando's interview with Renault - which somehow bypassed me without notice when it came out!

I thought it was a really lovely interview (and ok, I'm a little cynical in always thinking a press office/PR team are going to make their driver's interview no less than endearing)...but I did like his answer about missing victories. It's pretty much what I thought his response would be, and can totally imagine it being a pain for those around him!

Oh to be a fly on the wall when Robert Kubica and him play cards - both of them quiet, competitive, and witty!

Can you tell I'm getting withdrawal symptoms? Monaco, hurry up now!!

Sunday 18 May 2008 at 13:59:33 by amc

oooh weather.com do have monte carlo! Damn hyphen...

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/bu ...

And they say rain. I still think it'll be patchy though like last year...

Sunday 18 May 2008 at 14:55:56 by f1angel

If it stays 60% then that's a very good chance for a rainy Sunday! Best to re-check the weather around Friday to get a better understanding of what we may see!

Sunday 18 May 2008 at 15:41:19 by manuStudio

Last year it was raining on Saturday and sunny on Sunday of course.

Sunday 18 May 2008 at 17:18:57 by RF1 Paddock Pass

Hi everyone. So the test is over and the challenge of Monaco is fast approaching. The race cars are already on their way to the Principality, having left Enstone on Saturday afternoon. It was another quick turnaround by the race team as the cars only made it back from Turkey on Friday. Of course, proceedings get underway a day earlier than usual in Monaco with practice on the Thursday.

I wanted to welcome mustang245 to the blog. There’s plenty of friendly folk here who will make you feel at home and who share your passion for F1. In response to your question, Fernando was not at the Paul Ricard test – leaving duties in the very capable of hands of Nelson and Lucas. You’re quite right that Nelson needs time in the car, and he got plenty of that on Thursday. Sadly the rain limited his programme on the Friday. There was no real need for Fernando as this was not a test at a GP track.

Alma, On Friday the Paul Ricard circuit configuration was altered to allow the team to test with lower downforce settings in preparation for Montreal. The rain kept Nelson in the garage for most of the day, but he was still able to get out and check the car’s systems. This included some practice starts. But, overall, the test was positive and the R&D work the team was working on went well. The team is already planning its next step forward.

You’re quite right that Fernando is on the verge of scoring 500 world championship points in F1. He’s currently on 499. Fingers crossed that he can break the 500 mark in style next weekend. A podium would be a dream result and as we all know anything can happen in Monaco – so be careful what you wish for BOL.

Hi myx4ever, Nelson has already proved himself capable – he would not have got the drive otherwise. He has the pace, but he has had a difficult start to the year with bad luck and a some technical issues. All he wants to do is his best for the team and we’re all sure that his luck will change soon. And let’s not forget that there are similar situations in the other teams – at Toyota it is Trulli who has scored all nine points; at Red Bull Racing it is Mark Webber who has scored all 10 points.

Hi amc, glad that you enjoyed FA’s interview – very frank, honest and upbeat wasn’t it. We’ve all seen how determined Ferni is, that’s why he fights until the last lap of the race. I expect that he will be on top form in Monaco.

Sunday 18 May 2008 at 17:59:04 by amc

hi rf1pp, thanks ever so much for giving us a mini-blog in the form of a post...and on a Sunday afternoon no less! I realise you hardly needed too...

Yes, I was monitoring Fernando's stats progress last year, and admit to losing track this year, probably from a lack of points, wins and poles being inevitable. I suspect Kimi will overtake him this year, but no doubt Fernando will be back to reign supreme at some point!

Regardless though, it is pretty phenomenal when you think that two young men nowhere near 30 yet have worked their way up from small struggling teams (like the good old way rookies proved themselves worthy) and are likely to be only behind (relatively speaking) Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost, and Ayrton Senna in history. I don't think people quite grasp yet that Kimi and Fernando are going to becoming legends told of in decades to come in F1 history.

Sure there are some other young drivers now that will come and do the same, or even better it simply because they stepped into good cars at a very young age; but that's the legacy Kimi and Fernando will leave - that they worked their way up to supremacy that good old hard way, and probably the last ones likely to do so with the current climate of driver acquisition.

I don't know about a podium (though I don't discount it especially if it rains), but it would certainly be a nice way to celebrate the amazing achievement by Fernando.

Today I've made the most of a great MotoGP race and watching the two giants of tennis do battle again. Can you tell I need Thursday to come around quick?! lol

Sunday 18 May 2008 at 21:41:32 by theBlueOrangeLion

I'll do it, RF1, if FA can make it happen. But how do I deal with London police then? I'd have to run like that journalist who made a similar bet on McLaren win in 2004. I could even raise some money for the charity! That would be fantastic! I'm really counting on Fernando and I'd like to start my run near Big Ben.

Sunday 18 May 2008 at 22:04:29 by amc

BOL, I think you would definitely be a 'blue' and 'orange' lion if you ran naked through london - blue from the cold, and orange from the hiding the police would give you to restrain you!! Wait, can a lion be naked anyway?!

Didn't Christian Horner make a similar bet several years back for Red Bull getting on the podium? Ahhh, those images of him jumping into a pool naked only covered by a superman cape and surrounded by people and cameras, are still priceless!!

I'd happily go along with BOL's idea only to see him being caught on the national news in front of Buckingham Palace! Justice for Fathers? No no...unadulterated joy for Renault F1!!

Sunday 18 May 2008 at 23:32:54 by f1angel

Hey BOL, how far do u intend on running should Fernando get a podium on Sunday?

Monday 19 May 2008 at 00:32:53 by theBlueOrangeLion

I'll run until the police catch me of course. But I assume we could get in touch with London's new authorities and ask for a permission, I'd like somebody from Sutton images to take pictures of the event, maybe Red Bull could act as main sponsor and Sakon in R27 could be following me, you know, I want good vibrations, people throwing flowers and celebrating, we need beautiful music, Oasis could seize this opportunity - write a new song and perform it live on a moving platform, in fact I can write a song myself, I'd call it "naked run (have some fun)". It's just an idea, all right, we could have U2 or Johnny Rotten instead of Oasis or even the Chemical Brothers. It depends on the budget. I'll try to get in touch with Mateschitz to see if he'd be interested.

Monday 19 May 2008 at 00:48:30 by amc

BOL, isn't that a bit of a fantasy overload?!

You're ambitious I'll give you that...but it's good to know you've kept a budget in mind!

rf1pp, perhaps you should warn Fernando what havoc he could cause by making the podium...

Monday 19 May 2008 at 01:17:07 by em7

lol BOL how much of that wine have you drunk today? At least you've got a plan... give Boris a call, something tells me he'd be happy to oblige. All we need now is a podium next Sunday! Gooo Renault!

Just a few more days until the special weekend begins, Hoorah!!

Monday 19 May 2008 at 02:12:47 by theBlueOrangeLion

Yeah, my plan sounds a bit phantasmagoric but it's doable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e2NFKC7y ...

Actually, I'd rather have the Rolling Stones performing for the crowds, I always wanted to meet Keith Richards and jam with him, that "open g tuning" thing is simply marvellous, I guess I could be running with a guitar strapped across my shoulder to cover the naked truth and play with the Stones, hey, Satisfaction or Brown Sugar would sound fantastic. And if Sakon performed some doughnuts and burnouts for the crowd - man, it'd the dream event for London, forget those games or whatever, my event would be alien spaceship landing on planet Earth right in the center of one of the greatest cities in the world.

p.s. em7 - his name's Dietrich not Boris.

Monday 19 May 2008 at 02:21:59 by em7

hahaha! I know Mr Red Bull's name is Dietrich. Boris is our new mayor!

Monday 19 May 2008 at 02:27:59 by theBlueOrangeLion

Oops, thought you talking about DM.

Boris, that's right, sounds like a pet's name? He seems like a funny bloke though, at least that's the idea I got from watching sky news.

Monday 19 May 2008 at 02:36:10 by em7

If the budget's a bit tight and Sutton are too expensive, perhaps you could get RF1PP to be your official photographer. You know, keep it in the family, so to speak.

Ahem, Boris is a lovely name...

Monday 19 May 2008 at 02:41:15 by amc

@93 - em7, I was actally thinking that earlier! I don't know if rf1pp really want to be witnessing all that flesh though...

Ahh, Boris Johnson...not much more needs to be said! Actually, there are rumours flying about that now he's in 'office' Bernie might approach him for a street race in London! I'd pay good money for that...both to witness a meeting between Bors and Bernie, and the race itself!

Monday 19 May 2008 at 02:55:34 by em7

@ amc, true true!! I haven't heard those rumours but I've been hoping something would happen about this. I would absolutely LOVE to see an F1 race in London. Perhaps RF1 could support the idea... Please Renault! Think about it, ING could be the title sponsor of the race. It would be amazing. The whole shabang would be amazing. Apparently there's talk of Paris(-ish) and Moscow I read.

Monday 19 May 2008 at 13:23:48 by theBlueOrangeLion

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php ...

bob bell interview; I hear Fernie is really & I mean REALLY motivated for Monaco. I'd better get in touch with London's authorities right now.