The RenaultF1 team continued their second week of pre-season testing with both Nico Hülkenberg and Jolyon Palmer taking to the wheel of the R.S.17 once again as the Circuit de Catalonia remained the place to be.

Nico was up first, the German driver clocking up a total of 61 laps to record a best time of 1:21.239 – the morning's fifth fastest time – whilst running through a programme of set-up work. Nico was happy with the productive morning and is looking forward to returning to the car again later today (local time) for the penultimate day of the test.

“We've made some positive changes to the car since yesterday and I had a solid and productive morning with 61 laps completed. I feel that the car has good promise and we're making definite progress every time we go out. We know we have a solid baseline which we can work and build on to make a fast car. I'm looking forward to continue work on track tomorrow afternoon.”

Meanwhile, teammate Jolyon Palmer jumped into the car in the afternoon after clutch work was completed, however a hydraulic issue meant his planned long-run programme was compromised. Nevertheless, he completed 29 laps with a heavy fuel load, to record a best overall time of 1:24.774.

“It was a bit frustrating for me with quite a bit of time sat in the car whilst it was being checked over,” he said. “Unfortunately, there was some work required before I was due to go out then there was some kind of really annoying pressure leak which would only show its face when I was about to take to the track. It's one of those things that I'm sure the team will trace overnight, but it cost me track time today. The positive is that Nico had a good morning in the car so we know what is possible.”

Fast Facts:
Track: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain, 4.7km
Chassis: R.S.17 - 01
Weather: Mild and cloudy. Ambient 10°C - 16°C Track 13°C - 33°C
Programme: Set-up work and long runs.
Laps Completed: 90: Nico 61, Jo 29.
Classification: Nico P7 1:21.213. Jo: P14, 1:24.774.
Interruptions: Lunchtime clutch shimming followed by a persistent hydraulic pressure issue.
What's Next?
Both drivers will be back in action tomorrow, with Jo taking to the wheel first.