Sports / Motor Racing |
Renault target third title in a row(Reuters)Updated: 2007-01-25 08:45 Formula One champions Renault set their sights on winning a third successive title, this time without Fernando Alonso, after unveiling their 2007 car on Wednesday. "At this stage of the year, all you can do is create the wrong kind of pressure by announcing big targets," declared team boss Flavio Briatore in a statement heralding the start of a new era. "At Renault, we know we are a top team and that we have the ingredients we need to fight at the front in Formula One. "Every year people write us off because we have to adapt to big changes. And in the last two years, we defied their expectations. We are aiming to do the same again in 2007." Alonso, the youngest double champion in Formula One history, has left for McLaren -- leaving Renault a lineup of veteran Italian Giancarlo Fisichella and Finnish rookie Heikki Kovalainen. Fisichella has been eclipsed by Alonso for the past two seasons while Kovalainen will be making his debut in Australia on March 18 at an unfamiliar track. Briatore recognised Alonso's departure was a big change for the team, as was the arrival of new Dutch title sponsor ING, but the core of the team was settled. "We have been working with both our drivers for two years now and they know the team inside out," he said. "We have long-term commitment from Renault, long-term investment from ING and a stable team and technical management. "We have always said that our philosophy is that you need the right team to win, not just one person. This year is the chance to prove that our philosophy is the right one." Briatore said Fisichella ranked among the top drivers and now had the chance to prove his worth. Moreover, Alonso's departure had motivated the team to demonstrate that Renault could win without the 25-year-old Spaniard. "I'm really looking forward to this year," said Fisichella. "We've got a good package and there is a big motivation in the team. We want to win again both championships like last year and two years ago. "I think we are already in good shape. This year I've got a very good opportunity to do well." Kovalainen, playing down suggestions that he has a real chance of winning on his debut, said he was ready after spending last year as a test driver. "I'm ready for the big challenge," he said. "Expectations are high, but so are mine." |
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