What's at stake at Indy for Renault?

The Renault F1 Team is preparing for an unusual race this weekend. On one hand, Formula 1 is determined to rejuvenate its image in the US after the disappointment of the 2005 race. Everybody will be giving a little more of their time this weekend at the Speedway, to put on a good show for the people in the stands.

At Renault, the objective will once again be to increase the championship lead, in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Coming into the weekend, at the halfway stage of the year, Fernando has a 25 point lead over Michael Schumacher, and a 45-point advantage on Kimi Raikkonen. He will be determined to take a 6th consecutive pole position and take his 5th win in a row. In the teams’ race, Renault currently enjoys a 34 point advantage over Ferrari.

After putting an end to an unlucky streak in Montreal, where the team hadn’t had a single finish for two years, Fernando goes into the Indy weekend with the same aim: not only has the world champion never finished on the podium in the US, he has never even made it to the chequered flag!

So who might rain on his parade? Three drivers, basically: team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella, and Kimi Raikkonen or Michael Schumacher. Of them, two have already finished ahead of the Spaniard: Fisico in Malaysia, and Schumacher in San Marino and at the Nürburgring. Kimi Raikkonen fought for the win in Monaco before retiring, and was also very competitive during the opening stages in Canada.

The cars should see very little development, given the short gap since the last race. However, the state of the engines will be critical: Fernando’s V8 will be completing its second race weekend, while Giancarlo will have a brand new unit.

Finally, tyre performance will once again be a critical parameter, and give one team a decisive advantage. But nothing’s certain yet…

Everybody has congregated enthusiastically in the paddock this weekend. There’s lots to play for at every level, but above all, the paddock is determined to put on a great show for the fans. It could lead to a spectacular race!