Renault confident of strong Suzuka showing

The Suzuka circuit features a number of fast, sweeping turns that reward an efficient car such as the R23B. Earlier this year, Fernando Alonso finished second at Barcelona, a track that places similar demands on cars.

"At the start of the year, once you have run the car, you get a feel for the circuits where you think you will be strong," said Gascoyne. "Barcelona and the Hungaroring were two of those circuits, and Suzuka is another. It is a track which demands a predictable, responsive chassis, and excellent aerodynamics: those are areas in which we excel. Coupled with the progress the engine has made in recent months, it should give us a very strong package for the final race of the year.

"We must look to qualify in the first couple of rows, run an aggressive strategy and race to the podium. This will be the final race of an exciting and successful season: we will be looking to finish it on a very positive note."

Alonso shares Gascoyne's optimism for Suzuka, and is hoping that the Renault's anticipated form can move him up in the drivers' championship standings.

"I still have a chance to get fourth in the drivers' championship," said Alonso. "I missed out as Indy, but we will be fighting with the other top teams in Japan. If I don't get it, it's not a problem: this season has been far beyond what I had hoped for. But it would be a fantastic way to round things off, and I will be pushing hard to achieve it."