FP1 & FP2 - Monaco GP report: Renault F1

Key practice points:

— First day of practice for Monaco GP was marked by cloudy conditions and rain, with a wet afternoon limiting overall running until the final minutes of FP2
— Second part of software upgrade package debuted in Spain evaluated by Renault-powered teams. Data showed improved driveability and reliability
— Daniel Ricciardo (Infiniti Red Bull Racing) sets third fastest time round streets of the Principality in FP1, with Sebastian Vettel fifth
— Times in FP2 largely unrepresentative thanks to wet conditions
— All data will be studied overnight and tomorrow in anticipation of FP3 on Saturday

Rémi Taffin, head of track operations:

We’ve introduced the second part of software upgrades here, designed to improve driveability but also reliability. The first step came in Spain and we tested a second batch at the test last week and are pretty happy with what we’ve seen. In Monaco it is more about making the PU robust enough to deal with the challenges of the circuit: you need consistency here. Allied to the extra horsepower from the new Total fuel, we got positive initial reports of grip and responsiveness and are clear on the direction we need to take for the rest of the weekend and looking forward to Canada. Everything seems to be corroborated by the limited running we could do today although unfortunately the improvements do not show in the times, thanks to the weather and traffic. We were however able to get through a lot of the tests we wanted, although we naturally have some more to get through on Saturday.