- Jerez Test, Day Four
Red Bull puts an end to nightmare test
Red Bull has confirmed it is packing up ahead of the end of the final day of testing after a nightmare opening week in Jerez.
The team completed a meagre 21 laps over the four days, adding just seven more on Friday with Daniel Ricciardo. Problems with cooling the new Renault power unit have been the main issue this week, but a mechanical problem brought an early end to the final day. Technical director Adrian Newey went back to base early on Thursday to start work on solutions.
"It's been a very difficult test," team principal Christian Horner said. "We have had numerous Renault issues as well as chassis cooling issues, which have affected our progress. However, despite the lack of mileage, what we have managed to learn shows that the problems should be solvable for the next test in Bahrain. Part of the purpose of this early test was to learn about any issues ahead of the start of the season and there will now be a lot of focus on the dyno over the next few weeks."
Race Engineering Co-ordinator Andy Damerum added: "We did seven laps and every time Daniel went out we made improvements to the control of the engine. We were also making fixes to the issues that have arisen from our side and we have made progress there. However, we then discovered a mechanical issue with the car and after investigation it became clear we would not be able to fix this in time to run in the afternoon, so the decision was taken to retire early, take the data we have amassed and work towards the next test in Bahrain. Two weeks is a long time in Formula One and we and I'm sure Renault will work flat out now to solve the problems we've been having."
The next test takes place in Bahrain on February 19, but with just two tests left Red Bull has limited time to catch up with the likes of Mercedes, which had already completed a race simulation by Friday morning.
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
