Hungry Renault unveil new car
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-02-02 14:04

Renault took the wraps off the car they believe can break Ferrari's stronghold on Formula One.

Formula One drivers Fernando Alonso(R) and his Italian teammate Giancarlo Fisichella(L) pose with the new Renault R25 at the Grimaldi forum of Monte-Carlo. [AFP]

The French team were involved in a tense standoff with BAR for second place in the constructors' championship last season, ultimately having to settle for third spot.

But in the R25 they are aiming at a far richer harvest in 2005 than last season's lone win in Monaco.

"We've said that in 2005 and 2006 we wanted to be fighting for the title. We have to be winning races in the plural and not just the one win we had last year," said Renault Sport's president Patrick Faure.

The task to try and deliver the world title falls to Fernando Alonso of Spain and new addition Giancarlo Fisichella.

"I had a really good first test, we didn't have the slightest problem and I'm sure this car's going to be fantastic," said Alonso.

"From the word go I felt an excellent feeling about the car," confirmed Fisichella. who replaces Jarno Trulli, axed before last season's Chinese Grand Prix with former champion Jacques Villeneuve stepping in for the final three races.

Renault F1 boss Flavio Briatore shared his drivers' optimism.

"We've got the team and the drivers to do it (fight for the title)," he said. "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," the Italian added.

Faure reckons the new rules governing the number of engines and tyres will make competition fairer in 2005.

"For the challengers (to Ferrari) these new laws are a good sign, we're hoping the cards will be redistributed favourably," he said.

Close

Women's Soccer: China 0-2 Germany Yao-Shaq showdown in Miami Rockets lose to Kings 117-111

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Shares dip to 68-month low in Shanghai         Laid-offs, graduates key jobless priorities         Meningitis outbreak 'Controllable'         Fund to cover employed, new mothers         IPR disputes highlight absence of law         Was 'abducted' US soldier in Iraq a toy?	Chinese iron roses lose "match of vengeance"       United crush Arsenal 4-2 in Highbury thriller       Lakers coach Rudy Tomjanovich may resign       Mavs beat Heat down the stretch 109-104       Francis leads Magic past Cavaliers 105-102       James and Webber earn NBA monthly honors