Renault confident of title defence

World champions Renault expect their new car to be a worthy successor to the title-winning 2005 model as they prepare to run it for the first time next week.

Renault have yet to try out the new car on track but analysis of the chassis and engine has given technical director Bob Bell reason for optimism.

He said: “We are all excited about starting work with the new car. Our figures from the wind tunnel are good, the engine has given strong results in terms of performance and reliability over Christmas, so we now want to start learning about the car on the track.

“The focus has been on getting the car out early to maximise our mileage ahead of the opening race, and ensure it is fully reliable for Bahrain. We have a busy two months ahead, but it is a challenge we relish.

“The team has done a fantastic job so far. The programme was very tight, and that put pressure on everybody to rise to the challenge of producing the car on time.

“However, the car build went smoothly, and we began static testing of the first chassis here at Enstone before Christmas. We are on time, and that does great credit to the whole team.”

Rival teams such as Toyota and Red Bull have already completed their new cars, putting faith in exhaustive testing to make them competitive under a new engine formula.

But Bell feels Renault will not be at a disadvantage, despite waiting to track-test a new 2.4-litre V8 engine until the new car’s first run next week.

“When it comes to winter testing, there is no single, right answer – only a correct solution for each different set of circumstances, which vary for every team,” he added.

“Running with a restricted V10 engine [and 2005 car] until the New Year, and then bringing out the definitive package very early, was the best option for Renault. Our testing went very well, we ran reliably and learned a lot, particularly about the differences in chassis set-up for 2006.”