Highlights

F1 champions Renault say they have turned the tide

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-06-26 08:53

Formula One champions Renault say they have turned the tide after a poor start to the season and expect to be more competitive in Sunday's French Grand Prix.

Renault scored as many points in the last two races in Canada and the United States as third-placed BMW Sauber, although the latter team were without Poland's Robert Kubica at Indianapolis after he crashed in Montreal.

However, engineering head Pat Symonds said on Monday the trend was still positive for Renault.

"I think it's indicative of the fact the tide is turning, we are very close to BMW now and racing them hard," he said in a team preview for Magny-Cours.

"Without a doubt we have upped our game and pulled out of the midfield bunch we were in, to stand on top of it, and there's still more to come.

POOR START

"We take a lot of comfort from the fact that after a poor start to the year, we are pulling it back so rapidly," added Symonds.

"Other teams are not having a great season and not pulling it back as we are. There is plenty to be proud of in what we are doing."

Renault, winners of both titles with Fernando Alonso for the past two years, have not had a driver on the podium following the Spaniard's departure to McLaren at the end of 2006.

They are fourth in the constructors' championship with 25 points to BMW Sauber's 39. McLaren lead with 106 and Ferrari are second on 71.

However, Finnish rookie Heikki Kovalainen was fourth in Canada and fifth in Indianapolis while Italian Giancarlo Fisichella was fourth in Monaco.

Symonds said there was more to come in France and at Silverstone the weekend after that.

"As we better understand the problems we have been suffering from, we are able to improve the car," he said.

"There will be enhancements for France and Britain, and that's in addition to continuing the push with our normal development processes. There are a lot of new bits coming for the car, and you can be certain we will keep on fighting." Renault were runners-up at Magny-Cours with Alonso last year after winning in 2005.