New Renault fails crash test

Problem already solved, team say

Last updated: 13th January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

New Renault fails crash test

Problem solved: Renault's Fernando Alonso

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Renault's 2009 challenger, the R29, has failed its mandatory FIA crash test but the team are nevertheless confident of making their planned launch date.

The new car, which is expected to make its track debut on January 19th in Portugal, failed two of the three mandatory crash tests.

Some reports have claimed the nose and side impact tests caused extensive damage to the car.

Although Renault have confirmed the failure, the team have refused to specify the problem areas with the new chassis.

"We have identified the problem and solved it," a team spokeswoman said.

They are also confident the new car will be up and running in time for the Algarve test later this month.

"We will be able to run the car as planned in Portugal," the spokeswoman added.

This is not the first time Renault have failed a crash test, with their 2005 car initially falling foul of the side impact test.

Led by Fernando Alonso, the team went on to win both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships that season.

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