From GMM
Renault's newly launched 2009 R29 car still has not passed two of the mandatory FIA crash tests, team boss Flavio Briatore admitted on Monday.
As the R29 began testing in Portugal, the Italian confirmed reports that the car has not yet been cleared to contest the first race of the season.
It is understood that Renault engineers already knew the car was close to the crash test limits, due to efforts over the winter to reduce weight to accommodate the heavy KERS system.
Briatore told the Spanish press: "There is still time before Australia to pass the two tests. The car is working well."
photo:Renault
Renault's newly launched 2009 R29 car still has not passed two of the mandatory FIA crash tests, team boss Flavio Briatore admitted on Monday.
As the R29 began testing in Portugal, the Italian confirmed reports that the car has not yet been cleared to contest the first race of the season.
It is understood that Renault engineers already knew the car was close to the crash test limits, due to efforts over the winter to reduce weight to accommodate the heavy KERS system.
Briatore told the Spanish press: "There is still time before Australia to pass the two tests. The car is working well."
photo:Renault