Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsRenault

Magnussen was 'quite nervous' before Renault debut

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Kevin Magnussen admits he was "quite nervous" about driving an F1 car again ahead of his first day testing for Renault.

The last time Magnussen drove an F1 car in anger was in Melbourne last year, where he failed to start the Australian Grand Prix as the power unit failed on the installation lap to the grid. While Magnussen enjoyed a productive return - completing 111 laps and setting the fourth fastest time - he admits he was unsure how he would feel driving again.

"Today I felt good and normal," Magnussen said. "That was really good because I was quite nervous going in because I always think about racing and driving and I forgot a little bit so when I got in I got the feeling back."

And Magnussen was left with a positive first impression, saying it is difficult to compare the Renault with last year's McLaren.

"It is a little bit different but it is a long time since I drove the McLaren car so you do forget how it feels a little bit. There are things that I can see are different.

"We have a lot work to do and some things are better, the base and balance of the car, the characteristics of the balance at least, which is good for my driving style. It is easy to drive and predictable but obviously you always need more downforce and power so hopefully it will stay like that when that goes in the car."

REPORT: Hulkenberg heads Grosjean on third day of test

AS IT HAPPENED: pre-season testing day three

GALLERY: Pre-season testing day three

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.