Renault off pace

Renault are growing increasingly anxious with their lack of speed as the new Formula One season looms on the horizon.

With just 30 days to the start of the opening race in Australia on March 18, reigning constructors’ champions Renault have so far been off the pace in testing.

The French marque have just two test sessions remaining in Bahrain to improve, and get drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and newcomer Heikki Kovalainen up to speed.

Engineering chief Pat Symonds said: “We are realistic enough to know we need to find more speed.”

The main problem for Renault is adapting to the Bridgestone tyres, after years working in tandem with Michelin.

“We are discussing the matter with Bridgestone,” added Symonds.

“We are not worried, but when you are not on top of the pile then you have to be honest enough to admit it and knuckle down to try and find the speed.

“We are working bloody hard at it.”