Bell: R26 re-optimised to win
Monday, 04, September, 2006, 12:41
Renault’s technical director Bob Bell is convinced his team is back to its best having absorbed the blow of losing the tuned mass damper system banned by the FIA in August.
While Michael Schumacher and Ferrari may have closed on Fernando Alonso and Renault in the respective drivers’ and constructors’ championships, Bell believes that the recent test at Monza, a new spec engine and aero tweaks have allowed the world champions to get back on track.
“It is a mathematical fact that the constructors' championship has closed up significantly during August,” said Bell.
“Clearly, the team suffered from the fact that the loss of the Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) coincided with the summer test ban.
“We have now had the chance to re-optimise the R26, and the events of the summer have made us hungrier to prove we can do the job.”
While Bell accepts that this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix is likely to play into the hands of Renault’s key rival Ferrari, he adds that the team is going all out to retain both championships.
“Monza is going to be a hard race, there's no doubt about it. We are in the heart of Ferrari territory…
“I think Monza will suit the strengths of their package, but last week's test was very close and there is no reason to believe our package is weaker than theirs.
“We have the special Monza aero items on the car, and a good engine upgrade for Fernando who will use a D-spec engine. I believe we are in strong shape.
“I think we have to be aiming to win both championships, in the knowledge that if we do our maximum to get the constructors, then that will bring the drivers' title with it,” he added.
“The drivers' championship has great public cachet, but the constructors' title means a huge amount to everybody involved with the team.
“There are developments for the car and engine in the pipeline until the very last race, and notably we will be bringing some ideas from next year's car out of the wind tunnel and onto the R26.”
Bell added that much still depends on the tyre war between Renault’s supplier Michelin and Ferrari partner Bridgestone.
“I certainly think that the advantage will swing back and forth according to who gets their tyre selection right, and who gets it wrong,” he said.
“Michelin are working flat out to develop new products and the results from testing were certainly promising.
“Our expectation is to see a very even situation between the two tyre manufacturers until the end of the year, and we hope that our partnership with Michelin can bring us a decisive advantage.
“Neither team can afford mistakes, or unreliability,” he continued.
“At this stage, a DNF would be fatal. But we also have to be resolute in our approach.
“Pressure can sometimes cause unusual responses, but at Renault we will be keeping our natural rhythm, our working processes and our conviction that going racing our way can bring success.”