Renault insists it didn't need 2014 F1 engine deadline extension

The French manufacturer has denied asking for an extension, although the possibility of the deadline being stretched by as much as three months has been discussed and rejected.

Renault's reference engine was viewed and sealed by the FIA at Renault's Viry base in France on Friday, the deadline for doing so. A second deadline for supplying supporting information to the FIA on Saturday has also been met.

"I think if I said no to this question, that it would not have helped, I would be a liar," said Taffin when asked by AUTOSPORT if the homologation deadline not being extended was a disadvantage.

"Anything you can do in three months is a help whether it is performance or reliability.

"But I don't think we needed that time. We have an engine that is with the FIA and that is how we are going to run in Melbourne.

"We have gone through the normal [homologation] process. We have built an engine, had it viewed by the FIA so they have got it now and that is how we will build our engine for Melbourne."

RACE SIMULATION EXPECTED

Taffin is hopeful that Renault can make significant strides in preparation for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 16.

He is certain that at least one of the four Renault-powered teams will complete a full race simulation in the final two days of pre-season testing, although he is not too concerned about fuel economy.

"It is planned, we will achieve at least one," he said when asked whether a race simulation would be attempted.

"Fuel consumption is the least of my worries at the moment, it is not a concern.

"We will get through Melbourne with 100kg [of fuel] without problem, it is just a matter of the performance that we get from it.

"It will be about the optimisation of fuel and electricity."

There is also significant work to be on starts. While practice starts have been attempted in this week's Bahrain test by at least some of the Renault teams, those that have been attempted have been less convincing than those by Ferrari or Mercedes-engined outfits.

Taffin is hopeful that progress can be made with this over the final weekend before heading to Melbourne.

"There is work to do in this region and we are not happy with what we have got," said Taffin.