McLaren pushing hard in pursuit of Renault

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has conceded his team will have to “push it to the limit” if they are to realise their dream of becoming world champions this year.

With eight races remaining, McLaren remain in the hunt for both the constructors’ and drivers’ titles as they look to reel in Renault.

The championship race would certainly be a lot closer but for engine failures at the French and British Grands Prix, with Kimi Raikkonen unfortunately on the receiving end.

The Finn has required new Mercedes engines on both occasions, resulting in a 10-place demotion down the grid, and subsequent charge through the field just to get on the podium.

Ahead of tomorrow’s German Grand Prix at Hockenheim, Raikkonen trails leader Fernando Alonso by 26 points, while Renault hold a 15-point advantage over McLaren.

Dennis knows while Renault can play a conservative, defensive game for the rest of the season, McLaren have to give it their all and apply the pressure.

“We are focused on winning each and every race, and that is certainly how we are going to finish out the season,” insisted Dennis.

“To win this championship we have to win races. We are a grand prix team, we exist to win, so that is our approach.

“Our objective is certainly for one-two finishes, although I don’t think that is any different for any other grand prix team.

“But there is no reason why we can’t achieve one-twos because we have a very strong car-engine-tyre package at the moment.

“It is up to us to determine the limits to which we push the equipment and, of course, to win we are going to have to push it to the limit.

“I think reliability is the challenge for us, whereas maybe with Renault - certainly Alonso – they can play a little bit more of a cautious game to get the finishes they need to win the world championship.

“I am sure, given a reversal of the situation, we would be doing exactly the same.

“We are under no illusions. While winning is great, they don’t have to go 100%. They can go a little bit off that and that enhances their reliability.

“It would be interesting if we could get them under pressure. That would be the best thing for Formula One, not necessarily for Renault, but certainly for us.”

Renault team chief Flavio Briatore believes the pressure is all on McLaren as they play catch up, with the charismatic Italian commenting: “I think Ron is right.

“For the moment there is less pressure because we are the team in front, but we are very happy with what we have already done.”

Dismissing any possible challenge from Ferrari, who are 28 points behind in the team race, Briatore added: “We respect McLaren because the fight is between us and them for the championship, which is good for Formula One.

“This is one of the best championships we have had for the last few years, with two young drivers going for the title. Raikkonen and Fernando are the new face of Formula One.

“The fact we have a little bit of an advantage, finishing second in a race is not too bad for us, while finishing third is not a drama.

“I want to put more pressure on McLaren and also go to the limit, but this is a game.”

McLaren yesterday suggested they would again be the class act for this weekend, with Raikkonen almost a second quicker than Alonso in practice, which even for a Friday is a remarkable feat.

Providing the Finn can steer clear of engine problems in the final two practice runs this morning, there would appear nothing to stop him from claiming victory tomorrow.