Renault look to build on triumph

World champions Renault have warned the rest of Formula One they are aiming to defend their titles in style next season.

Fernando Alonso helped Renault win their first championships as a constructor this year but team president Patrick Faure has challenged them to not only retain those titles – but to do so more emphatically.

He said: “It is still possible to have a better season, to win more races, to finish on the podium more often. I think this must be our main goal for the 2006 season.

“The team is working very hard in preparation for next season and we can’t wait to get to Bahrain for the first Grand Prix. We hope to be able to perform to the same level, if not higher, as we did this year.”

Renault chief executive Carlos Ghosn, speaking at the team’s championship celebration in Paris, claims last season’s success justifies the huge investment necessary to compete in Formula One.

Ghosn was rumoured to be cool on the idea of Renault spending millions to compete in Formula One, following his time in charge of Nissan when he slashed their motorsport budget.

However, Alonso’s success this year has helped him warm to the sport.

He said: “We must associate this winning car and team to our products on the road, transposing strong Formula One values such as reliability and technological excellence.

“It is also important to capitalise on our success in markets where Renault is little known, such as China, Russia and others into which we are expanding, to tell them that Renault are champions.”

To mark their historic success, Ghosn presented Alonso with his championship-winning Renault, which came gift-wrapped.

“I saw a big box when I arrived this evening, but to have this car at home is really a dream come true,” said the Spaniard. “It is a fantastic present.”