By role
May 5 2004

Renault F1 Technical Director, Bob Bell, is confident that they can fight for a podium position at the Spanish Grand Prix. Though he is aware of the threat from other teams and the fact that the track is quite well known by all teams he feels that more pace can be extracted from the car. Bob Bell is happy to see the car score big points at Imola and to continue with a 100% reliability ratio:

"Overall, I was very pleased with the result (at Imola) - our biggest points score so far this season. We know there is still basic performance waiting to be extracted from the car, but the drivers did a good job to bring the cars home in the points at a circuit that does not traditionally favour us. Our reliability was once again impeccable, and the team did a fantastic job with the strategy and the pit-stops. Ultimately, we left Imola with our championship position reinforced and, although the gap to our pursuers is certainly precarious, it is a real gap nonetheless. The levels of reliability and consistency are building a strong foundation for our future performance evolutions."

Bob feels that the deep knowledge of the Barcelona track can mean that the third driver will not be as important as in other tracks:

"We and our competitors are very familiar with the circuit, and this does level the playing field somewhat - indeed it could well be that the advantage of the third driver is slightly diminished because of this. However, our knowledge of Barcelona will not really change the way we run our race weekend. Under the current rules, every lap on Friday is precious and even the slightest hold-up can put you under pressure in terms of making the correct tyre choice. Thus far, we have been one of the teams that has run the highest number of miles on Friday, and this will, I am sure, continue in Barcelona." He adds.

Bob Bell is quite confidence on the performance of the R24 in the upcoming Grand Prix:

"In terms of performance, Barcelona possesses the high speed corners that suit our car and reward a good aerodynamic package. In terms of the drivers, Jarno has had his best start to a season since he joined the team, and I am sure Fernando will even more motivated than usual at his home Grand Prix. Once again, providing we qualify in the top six, I am certain that with our consistent performance over the race distance, we can fight for podium finishes." He concludes.