Robert Kubica topped the timesheets in first practice, but only managed P11 in the rain interrupted second practice.
The Pole seemed happy with the set-up of the R30, balance being the only minor issue to sort between now and the race.
“It was a good Friday. This morning everything went well with just some small balance issues, so we did some set-up work to get used to the track, which is very different to Bahrain and the tracks where we tested over the winter.
“The second session was damp so we did some runs on intermediates to get a feeling for the wet conditions. Overnight we will work to try and improve the balance so that we get the maximum from the car tomorrow.”
Renault’s chief race engineer, Alan Permane also commented on the front-end balance of the car, but overall was happy with how the tests panned out.
“A little bit too much understeer still. The car is quite stable at the rear, but we need to work on the front end. Both drivers are reasonably happy and the new parts are performing as expected.
“It is bumpy here but the car is working well on the bumps so no complaints,” he added.
With the Kubica’s P1 in first practice, the team are confident they can meet their target of getting both cars into Q3.
“Robert was quickest this morning and although we don’t know fuel loads of the others, we had no major complaints with the car. I said at the beginning of the weekend that the goal was to get both cars into Q3 and I still think that’s a realistic target.”
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