JANUARY 11, 2002

Gavin to rejoin Renault test team in 2002

RENAULT has announced that Oliver Gavin will rejoin their testing team in 2002 to help in the development of the car's launch control and traction control systems.

The former F1 safety car driver, who is currently competing in the ALMS and Grand-AM sports car series in the US, filled the same testing role for Renault (Benetton) in 2001.

"I am going to be doing mainly straight line speed stuff as well as the launch control and traction control work," said Gavin. "I did work on the launch control with them last year and it all went very well. I enjoy working all the time and it is good getting into the car even if it is only straight line speed stuff."

Renault and Gavin conducted straight line tests at the Danielson circuit in France in 2001, and are expected to do the same in 2002.