Renault chief reflects on two mistakes

As reported on F1Racing.net When asked if he could start the season again, which mistakes he would avoid, Renault engineering director Pat Symonds replied, “I would make sure we redesigned the wheel nut mechanism before Budapest, not afterwards! And I would not have changed Fernando’s front tyres in China.” Atleast they won’t have a World [...]

Don’t give up, Renault tell Schumacher

As reported on Reuters “Of course it’s difficult for him, but I hope he doesn’t give up,” said Pat Symonds, “I see us as statistical favourites but this has been a hell of a season, everything is so close. I feel good about our prospects but I want Michael fighting (against) us.” “You’ve got to [...]

Renault reshuffle their pitstop crew

As reported on autosport.com Renault have reshuffled their pitstop crew for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix following the problem that marred Fernando Alonso’s second pitstop in China last weekend, autosport.com has learned. Although Renault’s director of engineering Pat Symonds said after the event that the pitstop problem was “one of those things”, the team have [...]

Ferrari, Renault Trade Verbal Jabs

As reported on FeedMeF1 In the lead-up to Shanghai, Renault’s technical chief Pat Symonds mused that he would put money on Fernando Alonso reacting better than Michael Schumacher to the pressure of a close duel. And, referring to Schumacher’s imminent retirement, he added: “I think the pressure for him is greater than ever.” “(Symonds) said [...]

Renault doubt Ferrari wheels as legal

As reported on DailyF1News Renault technical chief Pat Symonds has questioned the legality of Ferrari’s wheel fairings, after it emerged that the Italian team intend to again use the innovation at Monza this week …. Although Ferrari insist that they aid brake cooling, not aerodynamic efficiency “You’re allowed to change the wheels,” Renault technical chief [...]

Alonso hopes hit by court ruling

As reported on BBc Renault’s hopes of stemming Ferrari’s advance in the title battle have been dealt a blow after an innovative design on their car was ruled illegal. The court of appeal of Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, said on Wednesday that the team’s “mass damper” contravened the sport’s rules. The FIA views [...]

Symonds forecasts simple solution

As reported on sportinglife.com while in the previous two races the tyre problems weren’t as severe due to Renault’s mass dampers, which are devised to regulate tyre performance in order to give better grip, at Hockenheim the team weren’t able to run with them and suffered the full effects of their blistering Michelin tyres. “I [...]