Renault has unveiled the R25, the car it expects to topple Ferrari from F1 domination as it sets its sight on the top spot in this year’s championship race.
Renault has unveiled the R25, the car it expects to topple Ferrari from F1 domination as it sets its sight on the top spot in this year’s championship race.
The team’s 2005 challenger was launched on Tuesday at a glittering affair, where team chairman Patrick Faure clearly outlined Renault’s plans for the upcoming season. A brand new RS25 V10 engine, designed to meet the new two-weekend race regulation, will power the R25.
“No longer will we be satisfied to be regular podium finishers,” explained Faure. “This season, we must take regular race wins. Everything is now in place for us to move up to the next level.
“Our team has been built up progressively and without precipitation. We want to be fighting for the world title in 2005 and 2006, which means we must be among the teams who can compete with Ferrari on an equal footing this year. We have to be winning races in the plural, and not just the one win we had last year (in Monaco),” Faure concluded.
Leading Renault’s assault will be the driver pairing of Giancarlo Fisichella, who replaced Jarno Trulli after he was dropped before last season’s China Grand Prix, and Fernando Alonso, together perhaps one of the stronger driver pairings in F1 this season.
“Our driver line-up is perfectly balanced,” commented Faure. “Fernando will reach his peak this year, while Giancarlo is at the top of his game. He is quick and, most importantly, a finisher.”
Renault F1 boss Flavio Briatore said, “We’ve got the team and the drivers to do it (fight for the title). Now what we need is a bit of luck, and hope that the other teams haven’t worked as well as us.
“After four years we’ve acquired stability in the team, with the engine, the chassis, the drivers, the electrics, everything’s in place for victory.”
Despite the off-track debates about regulations and a rival series, Faure insisted that Renault’s energy remained focused on the track.
“All the manufacturers hope to see changes in the near future to how our sport is managed. But while we wait, the best way to respond to the different debates surrounding us is to offer an exciting spectacle. At Renault, our contribution to that battle has been christened the R25.”