Formula One news

Renault still has some way to go - Symonds

Renault engineering director Pat Symonds says his team still has some way to go before regaining its old level of competitiveness, despite a major test session at Barcelona last week in which the team claimed to have made some significant progress.

"In previous weeks, we have said that the road back to our normal level of competitiveness will be a long one, and that is still true," Symonds said. "We have made good progress in our analysis and understanding of the R27, but we are not expecting a leap forward in our competitiveness relative to our rivals this weekend. It will be a tough race weekend where we have to fight for every point."

"The positives are not as easy to find as in previous years - but that doesn't mean they are not there," he added. "The team at the circuit has worked tirelessly during winter testing and the first three flyaway races, including a test session in Malaysia. Throughout, they demonstrated why we have just won two championships: race reliability has been exemplary, and details like the pit-stops were spot on. The work back at the factory is less public, but it has been no less intense. Analysis after analysis has been conducted, solutions tested and implemented. The work has been above and beyond the call of duty for all of our staff and the response to our current situation has been exemplary."

more news

• 11 Oct.
  • Photos: Saturday at Fuji
  • Kubica on top in wet free practice
• 10 Oct.
  • Bridgestone expects grip to improve during the weekend
  • Buemi to steer medical car
  • Trouble-free day for McLaren
  • Positive day for Toro Rosso
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Mixed Friday for BMW
  • Force India upbeat after practice
  • Honda looking for more pace
  • Ferrari happy with Friday progress
  • Government will try and safe Canadian Grand Prix
  • Strong start for Toyota at home track
  • Renault shows encouraging pace at Fuji
  • Nakajima enjoys first day at Fuji Speedway
  • Glock fastest on Friday
  • Photos: Friday at Fuji
  • Hamilton leads first practice in Japan
  • Nakajima pleased with his first F1 season so far
  • Barrichello's advise to Senna: Do not join Honda!
• 09 Oct.
  • Massa focused ahead of vital race weekend
  • Raikkonen hoping for better
  • Button still waiting for Honda's driver decision
  • Canadian GP dropped due to a 'commercial disagreement'
  • New engine for Glock
  • F1 drivers: It's a shame to see Canada go
  • Ecclestone outlines dramatic F1 engine plans
  • Hamilton: I'm stronger and in a better position
  • Alonso: BMW was never a serious option
  • Photos: Thursday at Fuji
  • Japanese Grand Prix technical preview
• 08 Oct.
  • Bridgestone to introduce green tyres in Japan
  • Senna hopes to join Toro Rosso or Honda
  • Di Resta to test McLaren at Silverstone
  • Canadian GP organisers surprised with FIA's decision
  • Ferrari boss eyes maximum points in Japan
  • Fuji Speedway snapshot
• 07 Oct.
  • Canada dropped from next year's F1 calendar
  • Ferrari bring back lollipop man
  • Heidfeld hopes to fight for title next season

Homepage