Renault to Test Kovalainen and Lopez

The Renault Formula One team will test Finn Heikki Kovalainen and Argentine Formula Renault V6 champion Jose Maria Lopez, the French squad announced today.

Both men are members of the Renault Driver Development Programme.

22-year old Kovalainen currently lies third in the World Series by Nissan championship with one round remaining. 20-year old Lopez was crowned champion of the Formula Renault V6 Eurocup in his first season in the RDD programme.

Both will join Renault's test driver Franck Montagny at the forthcoming Barcelona test session from December 2-4.

"While it may be thought that an F1 team is all about what is happening now, it is important to take a look at the future and assess the rising stars who may be driving for us in years to come," said Renault's executive director of engineering Pat Symonds.

"This season, the Renault Driver Development programme will give these two young drivers the opportunity to further their careers, and provide the F1 team with an opportunity to study these drivers at an early stage."