Motorsport story by Dominic Taylor, Fri, 06 Jan 2006 05:04:00 GMT


Reigning World champions Renault are undertaking a two month rigorous testing of their new car, the V8-powered R26 so that they are ready to defend their title when the season gets underway. Renault is looking to notch up some early wins and get a winning start to their season.

Italian driver Giancarlo Fisichella will be behind the wheel of the V8-powered R26 as the car takes a maiden run at the Jerez circuit in Spain. The car is all set to debut on the competitive scene at Bahrain on March 12 and the intention behind this workout is to iron out any early glitches.

Renault's website said that two cars would be tested "from the team's second test of the winter to achieve maximum mileage with the car and drivers ahead of the opening race."

The new car's engineering head Pat Symonds explained that Renault regarded the early races as a launch pad to defend their title successfully, "Those early races really set the scene for the year. Each race may be worth 10 points in absolute terms, but that ignores the human component. The first win buoys the whole team and confidence grows from there," he stressed.

"The maths say the early races have the same importance as any other, but in terms of the team's self-esteem, I would say they are worth half as much again."

In 2006, there are some rule changes which see the arrival of the 2.4-litre V8 formula instead of the 3-litre V10 engines that dominated the races in the last few races. Last year Renault won the starting races thus making Spaniard Fernando Alonso the youngest F1 champion. Renault are looking to repeat that this year as well and are confident in their new car that has seen extensive work starting from September 2004.

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