Kovalainen tests FRenault 3.5

Heikki Kovalainen sampled the new World Series Formula Renault 3.5 machine at Paul Ricard in France on Monday, and declared the car a distinct improvement on the Dallara-Nissan World Series machine he has raced for the past two seasons

autosport.com staff. Feb 8, 2005, 4:41 PM

Renault Formula 1 test driver and shock Race of Champions winner Kovalainen dominated the Spanish-based World Series by Nissan championship in 2004. This series and the Formula Renault V6 Eurocup have now been replaced by a single championship for identical Dallaras with 3.5-litre Renault V6 engines.

Experienced French single-seater racer Jonathan Cochet has conducted the majority of testing in the new car so far, but Kovalainen was invited to join him for tyre testing at Ricard.

"The car has improved a lot with the new aerodynamic shape, and it's got more ground effect," said Kovalainen. "Also, it's even faster in the corners.

"I guess you can always improve things, but in comparison with the old World Series car I can tell there has been a good evolution."

Kovalainen will not compete in the new Renault championship this year as he is already committed to racing for Arden International in GP2.