By role
April 22 2004

Renault Chassis Technical Director, Bob Bell, is optimistic ahead of this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix. The team will introduce at this Grand Prix several upgrades both to the engine and the chassis that will be a significant difference. In an interview previous to the Grand Prix Bob Bell is clear that the new package should place them closer to Ferrari:

"We expect our Imola package to represent a sizeable performance step for the R24. Obviously, the B-spec engine will be a major part of that, but we also have the first major aerodynamic updates of the year, to the rear wing, bargeboards and diffuser in particular. Both drivers felt the developments represented a good step forward in testing, and we expect to see a combined improvement of around four tenths of a second per lap at this circuit." He said "We certainly hope that it will help us begin to close the gap to Ferrari, although of course, nobody is standing still and we cannot predict what steps forward our competitors might have made. But the new package will bring a consistent performance boost throughout the weekend. We continue to believe that if we qualify in a sensible position on the grid, around the second or third row, podium positions are definitely within our reach."

However, Imola is not a track known to be a perfect match for the R24, despite an encouraging earlier test in February:

"We had a very encouraging test there in February, and certainly believe the R24 will be more competitive there than last year's car proved to be. Superficially, the circuit does not suit the known strengths of our car as it lacks any true high-speed corners, and has not traditionally been one of our favourite venues, but the drivers were satisfied with performance over the kerbs at the pre-season test. It will be a tough battle this weekend, but I do believe that if one of the front running teams can prevent Ferrari from dictating the pace of the race from the start, then things could take on a very different complexion." He concluded.