The Renault team, which this week re-signed Fernando Alonso and Jarno Trulli for the 2004 season, expects its R23B chassis to be very competitive at the tight Hungarian circuit.
The Renault team, which this week re-signed Fernando Alonso and Jarno Trulli for the 2004 season, expects its R23B chassis to be very competitive at the tight Hungarian circuit.
The French team hopes to make amends for a disappointing Monaco Grand Prix, where they had been billed to steal the show with their nimble but underpowered car.
The anticipated hot conditions in Budapest are likely to favour Michelin-shod teams like Renault, and the slow nature of the track should minimise the power disadvantage of the Renault engine, which was uprated for the recent British Grand Prix.
“I think this kind of circuit will suit our car,” said technical director Mike Gascoyne. “The last very high downforce track was Monaco, where we were not as quick as we should have been. But given the steps forward we have made since then, we can expect to be very strong if we perform to our full potential. I think we must aim to qualify at the front of the grid and race strongly for another podium finish.”
The modifications to Hungaroring for this year include a longer front straight, which means full-throttle performance will come into play a little more than previously. Although this is not expected to substantially alter the slow nature of the circuit, Renault has modified the upper part of the engine for increased power and speed, reported.
The confidence of Alonso and Trulli will be high after the pair was confirmed as Renault’s drivers for next season.
Renault F1 team managing director Flavio Briatore said the pairing of Alonso and Trulli would enable the team to take a further step forwards next season.
“This driver line-up provides us with a perfect balance,” said Briatore. “Next year will be Jarno’s eighth season in F1, and everybody knows he is an extremely fast racing driver. Fernando has more than justified the faith we showed in him last year, and is maturing with the team as he acquires experience.
“Our objectives for 2003 have been achieved, and in some cases exceeded. For next season, we are looking to take a further step forward, and believe these are the drivers who will enable us to do that,” Briatore added.