Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso moved on top of the times for Renault on day 4 of this week's Jerez test.

The new Renault R29 has shown increasing pace in recent tests, and Alonso demonstrated that improvement today by lapping the Spanish track in 1:19.945, 0.3 seconds quicker than his nearest rival, Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

Alonso's time did not beat the one set yesterday by Timo Glock in the Toyota.

The track was mostly dry today but he winds picked up to such an extent that it affected the cars out on track.

BMW-Sauber Nick Heidfeld set the 3rd fastest time, ahead of Jarno Trulli (Toyota) and Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing-Renault).

British driver Lewis Hamilton took over the driving for McLaren but was only seventh quickest, losing time with a technical problem during the morning. Hamilton's time is nevertheless 1.357 seconds slower than Alonso.

Teams Force India and Renault are now heading back to their workshops in Great Britain prior to next week's Barcelona test. The other six teams are staying on at Jerez for a final day of running tomorrow.

Wednesday times:

Pos Driver Team Time* Laps
1. Alonso Renault 1:19.945 129
2. Raikkonen Ferrari 1:20.250 104
3. Heidfeld BMW Sauber 1:20.520 98
4. Trulli Toyota 1:20.540 131
5. Webber Red Bull-Renault 1:20.894 107
6. Nakajima Williams-Toyota 1:20.948 83
7. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:21.302 70
8. Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1:21.411 79
*Unofficial timing


Photo Credit : WRI2