Fernando Alonso and Heikki Kovalainen set the pace for Renault in Wednesday’s Formula One test session at the French circuit of Paul Ricard. There was little to separate the drivers in the times, with the top-ten runners covered by less than a second.

The track was again set up in its ‘Monaco’ configuration, with the majority of teams focusing their efforts on set-up and tyres for the forthcoming Monte Carlo street race.

Unofficial Wednesday times from Paul Ricard:
1. Fernando Alonso, Renault (Michelin), 1:05.363
2. Heikki Kovalainen, Renault (Michelin), 1:05.546
3. Jacques Villeneuve, BMW Sauber (Michelin), 1:06.563
4. Christian Klien, Red Bull (Michelin), 1:05.577
5. Jarno Trulli, Toyota (Bridgestone), 1:05.624
6. Felipe Massa, Ferrari (Bridgestone), 1:05.686
7. Juan Pablo Montoya, McLaren (Michelin), 1:06.008
8. David Coulthard, Red Bull (Michelin), 1:06.083
9. Kimi Raikkonen, McLaren (Michelin), 1:06.266
10. Ralf Schumacher, Toyota (Bridgestone), 1:06.333
11. Vitantonio Liuzzi, Toro Rosso (Michelin), 1:06.369
12. Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber (Michelin), 1:06.619

Renault sure seem to be ‘upping the ante’ against Ferrari, and are looking strong.