Symonds believes in Renault and its leader … Alonso

The improvement of the Renault team’s performance and the return of Fernando Alonso should see the former champion fight again for victories, at least according to Pat Symonds’ thoughts.

Even though Alonso downplayed expectations that were based on the R28, claiming in particular that the car was currently a second per lap slower than the McLarens or Ferraris, Symonds is more optimistic about the Spanish driver’s chances to shine in 2008.

In an exclusive interview given this week for Autosport magazine, Symonds predicts a comeback for the Renault team after a 2007 season largely below the previous two!

« It is important to clarify a point: Fernando would not have made up for the shortcomings of last year’s car, » said Symonds, who is the executive director of engineering for Renault.

« But we are now convinced that we have overcome these problems and believe we can provide him with a car worthy of his talent. »

« I am certain that the combination of Fernando and Renault, with the renewed energy the team is experiencing right now, will allow us to achieve great things. We know what he wants in terms of the car, and we have shown in the past what we can provide him. »

Symonds blames the R27 for two factors that caused the team to suffer last year. Firstly, the aerodynamic effect, with a weak correlation between simulation and aerodynamics that resulted in poor performance, as well as the transition from Michelin to Bridgestone tires.

« Last season, we had two distinct questions, and the combination of the two was particularly bad. »

« By studying the phenomena that caused us suffering, this correlation issue really started when we were still on Michelin tires, » he concluded.