Satisfaction, performance, challenge - Bell
The ING Renault F1 Team seems ready for the 2007 Formula One season after the spectacular launch of the R27 yesterday at the Factory in Amsterdam. The team's technical director, Bob Bell, talks about the R27 and its rivals.
“Satisfaction, performance, challenge.”
In your opinion what’s the biggest strength of the ING F1 Renault F1 Team this season?“We’ve now on top of our game. We know just what it takes to battle for the championship that we’ve already won twice on the trot. We’re the team to beat and we feel strong. In addition, we’re extremely well prepared.”
If you could choose your main rival this season, who would it be?“It’s always a good feeling to battle it out against those that are perceived as the ‘big boys.’ In these conditions a duel between Renault, Ferrari and McLaren has its attractions. If I had to choose between the two, I’d say McLaren. Beating Fernando would be a bit like getting our own back on him!! Anyway, it’s always nice to beat the boys from Woking.”
What team could upset the applecart this year?“Honda, BMW. And Super Aguri, and I’m not joking!”
What was the most difficult area to evaluate in the chassis design? Bridgestone’s arrival or the stability of the aero regs.“The Bridgestones did not require a profound rethink. The stability of the aero regs made performance gains more difficult to find, that’s all. The real challenge that Renault faced was adapting the new IGC gearbox to the car. The other achievement that we’re really proud of is the fact that we managed to have two new chassis ready for the first roll out of the R27 at Jerez on 16th January.”
What’s the mechanical component that you’re most proud of on the R27?“The gearbox! It requires such a delicate interface between the mechanical and electronic elements, and it’s so sophisticated...It’s a real little jewel and will allow us to gain around 0.3 seconds per lap.”
So, what are your hopes for 2007?“Two things. First of all I’d like to see a really closely-fought championship and a very exciting year. Secondly, I want to see Renault finishing in front. For sure, it’s going to be a tough season but whatever happens I want us to get to the end without having anything to reproach ourselves. No matter what the result, we’ve got to give our all and feel proud of what we’ve done.”
Source Renaultf1
