Renault in the starting blocks

With just a few weeks to go before the first grand prix of the 2007 season, all the observers agree on one point: Formula 1 is at the start of a new cycle. Technically speaking first of all. Homologated engines, a single tyre manufacturer and unchanged aerodynamic regulations make it very difficult to find fresh gains. Driverwise too things are very different among the top teams as in the Renault, Ferrari and McLaren camps there has been a major reshuffle. All this creates a host of uncertainties.

Making any prognostics in such conditions borders on the foolhardy. “As I always say, competitiveness is a relative concept,” states Pat Symonds the Renault F1 Team executive engineering director. “You may well have done a great job during the winter, but your results really depend on the progress your rivals have made.”

The team knows this. The gaps between competitors will certainly be even smaller this season and the tiniest detail can make all the difference. Despite this, Renault is tackling the season brimful of confidence. “We’ve been the only team to produce two chassis for the first roll out,” explains Bob Bell, the technical director at Enstone. “It’s a great performance by the team and it enabled us to cover over 2000 kms in testing as soon as the R27 took to the track including two complete race simulations.” One thing is sure: Renault has not changed its philosophy. “Victory is down to preparation,” says Flavio Briatore.

Renault reckons that it has picked the right number with the R27. All the date collected at Jerez last week validated what the simulations had foreseen. The drivers underlined just how comfortable the car is to drive. Thanks to the climate of confidence that reigns in the team Alain Dassas, the Renault F1 Team President, had no hesitation in setting the season’s goals. “We want our technical squad and our drivers to enable us to fight for the title once again,” he announced this morning in Amsterdam.