Symonds: more to come from Renault

There have been flashes of speed from Renault through the 2009 campaign, but no finishes higher than fifth place, yet Pat Symonds is confident that the team can claim a top result in the European Grand Prix at Valencia this weekend.

“We wanted to show the potential of the car in Hungary and confirm the step forward we had made in Germany,” said Renault’s executive director of engineering, “and I think to an extent we managed to do that.

“It was great to get pole position there, but it doesn't necessarily mean that you've got the fastest car and, fuel-corrected, it's true that the Red Bulls were faster.

“Even so, we were pleased with our performance and I believe our aggressive strategy with Fernando would have paid off in the race had we gone the distance.

“The R29 has shown recently that it's a good car in all types of corner and so I'm confident that we can be competitive in Valencia.

“Like any street course, it rewards brave and capable drivers and we've certainly got that in Fernando, who will have home advantage and massive support from the fans.”

Alonso is equally excited in anticipation, the two–time World Champions saying that he hopes he can fight for a podium finish.

“Our performance in Hungary was encouraging as the car was quick and we managed to get pole, which was a bit of a surprise, but I think that the car can be just as competitive in Valencia.

“Last year, my race there was very short - less than a lap - so I'm really determined to make up for that this weekend and hopefully we can fight for the podium.

“I've always enjoyed racing on street circuits as they have a special atmosphere and the whole city gets involved in the race.

“Also, as it's a home race for me, I know that there will be amazing support from the fans and I really want to reward them with a good result.

“I would love to fight for the podium, but the main priority is to score points this weekend.”

Symonds says that the development won’t stop here: “We can certainly push a lot more developments onto the R29 in the final part of the season,” says Symonds, “and there is another big aero update for later in the year.

“We're also preparing the specific medium and low downforce configurations that are needed for Spa and Monza.

“How much more we do after that will depend how next year's car, the R30, is progressing and whether we can transfer what we learn from that onto the current car.”

Source: ITV