Renault e.dams conclude positive first test

Sébastien Buemi and Nicolas Prost were able to go for quick laps over the course of the past three days – split into two test sessions per day – but the primary aim of the team and drivers was to accumulate laps and data to test the systems of the Z.E.16, which will be used for the defence of the teams’ championship commencing on October 9 in Hong Kong.

The final day of the test was characterised by a damp Donington Park, with the morning session predominantly featuring a drying track although returning rain made for a more moist afternoon, with the track only drying for rapid laps late in the three-hour session.

Nico Prost was the quicker of the team’s drivers with a 1min 30.237secs, the third fastest lap in the morning, whilst Sébastien Buemi was the faster of the two in the afternoon with his 1min 31.144secs time the third fastest lap.

Pre-season testing resumes at Donington Park on September 5-7.

Alain Prost, Senior Team Manager : "Today both drivers had the added challenge of a wet circuit, which can be fun but requires an added element of caution. The day was pretty straightforward ; exactly what you want from testing. The engineers and drivers have delivered what we wanted so far and we’re all looking forward to concluding testing in two weeks’ time ready to head to Hong Kong and get the season underway."

Jean-Paul Driot, Senior Team Manager : "We’re happy with everything we’ve seen over the past three days at Donington, even if we didn’t greet today’s rain with the greatest of enthusiasm ! The car, drivers and team are all working well and we’ve made good progress with our programme so far."

Vincent Gaillardot, Renault Sport Project Leader : "Certainly this was a productive test for us over the course of the past three days. The Z.E.16 has worked as we hoped and expected, which is always what you want from a new racing package. Séb and Nico both gave insightful and positive feedback, which is a benefit of working with professional drivers of their calibre."

#9 Sébastien : "I feel positive after this week’s test as the car seems very promising. Not only have we been able to test our car, we’ve also been able to have a look at the opposition. Certainly I think we’ll have a tough challenge over the course of the season ahead so there should be some great racing. We have just three days of official testing left before the season begins so we know what we have to do."

#8 Nico : "It was a really big contrast from yesterday on track as it was so damp and grey here today. Naturally we were pushing the car on occasion so I did have quite a memorable spin on a wet patch in the morning, but no harm was done. The car and team are working well so I’m looking forward to returning for the final test and getting the season underway."