FP1 & FP2 - Australian GP report: Renault F1

Renault Sport Formula One Team experienced a wet start to the 2016 Formula 1 season with Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer both taking to a damp Albert Park circuit for their first laps behind the wheel of the R.S.16 at a Grand Prix.

Alan Permane, Trackside Operations Director - Technical programme notes

— Both drivers completed limited programmes due to the wet conditions.
— Pirelli’s extreme wet (blue), intermediate (green) and soft (yellow) compound tyres were used in FP1; intermediate tyres were used in FP2.
— There is a lot more to be learned once track conditions are more favourable.

Kevin Magnussen

“It wasn’t the best conditions today but it’s great to be back on track in Australia. My day was pretty much in-laps and out-laps but I did push a little on one. We don’t have a lot to go on for tomorrow, but I’ve driven a race car before, including here at Albert Park, so I’m sure qualifying will be fine.”

Jolyon Palmer

“That was my first time driving here and Albert Park is a pretty cool circuit with a great street-track feel; it’s a bit bumpy and has a decent challenge to it. The car felt decent in the wet today; it was pretty balanced throughout both sessions and there were no surprises. There’s plenty of work to be done tomorrow, and I’m particularly looking forward to qualifying, especially as that might be my first dry laps here.”

Nick Chester, Chassis Technical Director

“It was great to see the R.S.16 on track for its first Grand Prix sessions in its new colours. Given the weather conditions we concentrated on shaking down the chassis and procedural matters rather than performance. The weather looks better for tomorrow so we’ll likely have a pretty full FP3.”