Formula One news

Dassas applauds Renault team for 2006

Renault F1 team president Alain Dassas has hailed the team's performance in 2006, putting its success down to hard work and resourcefulness. The team had to deal with the banning of the mass dampers towards the end of the season when it was coming under pressure from Ferrari but responded well to the setback to secure both titles.

"That could have had an effect on our motivation, but the team's effective response inspired great respect," said Dassas.

"Be it at Enstone or Viry, they worked night and day to solve the problems we encountered through the season - that isn't just a figure of speech. The drivers and the factories at Viry and Enstone all work as one team. They know they rely on each other to succeed."

Renault does not have the resources other manufacturers have, which makes the taste of victory even sweeter for the French car-maker.

"We also beat many other manufacturers: Mercedes, BMW, Honda, Toyota. That sends a clear message. If we can do better than them on the track, we can do better on the road as well.

"Our budget in 2006 was equivalent to that we had last year. Logically, therefore, it remained the fifth-largest on the grid! When he took the decision to continue in Formula 1, Mr Ghosn spoke of three criteria: first-rate performances, effective use of the positive impact on the brand image and reduced costs. That will be the case in 2007, as the new engine regulations will allow all competitors to make savings. It will be our job to minimise the consequences of these changes, most especially on a human level."

Renault will be taking on another challenge of supplying Red Bull Racing with engines, which will be the first time it supplies another team with its power units since it became its own team in 2002.

"That will allow us to maintain a higher level of engine activity, to increase our earnings and to improve the show as another team will be racing with a competitive, high technology engine," Dassas added.

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