McLaren vow to go all out for title

RON DENNIS admits McLaren and Kimi Raikkonen “failed” by missing out on the world championship but claims they are untouchable on their march to the constructors’ title.

Renault’s Fernando Alonso became the first Spaniard to win the world title with third place in Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix, a race dominated by McLaren’s Juan Pablo Montoya.

The Woking-based squad have won the last five grands prix but, with bad luck and mechanical problems, that has not been enough to prolong Raikkonen’s championship challenge.

Dennis has no regrets about the season but concedes McLaren have not lived up to their potential.

“Renault had a situation in the early part of the season where Alonso got a lead and didn’t make mistakes. He was understandably comfortable to drive strategically to win the world championship. We were the people behind so we were the people who had to push and in pushing there were times when the team failed. I mean every part of the team, the drivers and ourselves,” he said.

Dennis expects to savour constructors’ championship glory this season though, providing their reliability gremlins do not strike again.

McLaren have won nine races to Renault’s seven and moved two points clear thanks to Montoya’s win from team-mate Raikkonen at Interlagos. Dennis does not expect his team’s superiority to be seriously challenged.

“We will go to the remaining races trying to come first and second and we will allow the drivers to race. We still have developments coming on to our cars in the remaining races ... But I would be very surprised if anybody has anything going on their cars to touch our dominance. The important thing is the reliability.

“The important thing is to go out of the season really strong and highly motivated for next year. If both our drivers continue to perform as they are there is a possibility they can finish second and third in the championship.

“No one needs to point out to me that the objective is to win. You want to win races and win championships and if there is any of those goals you don’t achieve then you haven’t achieved your goals, simple as that.”

Dennis’ Renault counterpart Flavio Briatore has warned McLaren he is planning on another title-winning party in Shanghai. Renault have been relying on consistency to take advantage of slips by McLaren, but Briatore has promised a tough fight in Asia.

“The team have produced a fantastic car. Even if McLaren has been quicker the points tell the only story that matters over 19 races. Now we need to do our best in the constructors’ championship, with Giancarlo Fisichella and Fernando both pushing hard. We need to do our best to get closer to McLaren and take it to the final race.”