Briatore remains cautious

Although the French car manufacturer made progress this year to finish third in the constructors' championship, just behind BAR, Briatore thinks that a further step forward will not be easy - even though he thinks he has done everything he can to build a title-winning team.

Looking back on the manner by which Ferrari dominated 2004, Briatore said: "People often say there are four top teams in the paddock but I don't agree. In my view, there is only one and that's Ferrari. The others need to close the gap to them - and not just Renault.

"Ferrari won 15 of 18 races this year and completely dominated both championships. It is up to us to work better and challenge them in the future."

When asked whether he believed he has put everything in place to allow Renault to succeed, Briatore said: "I think so. Viry-Châtillon and Enstone (the headquarters for Renault's engine and chassis developments) are working well together, our technical programmes are established on a long-term basis and we are hitting our targets.

"The most important thing we shouldn't forget is that we are still a young team and that we must not try and progress too fast. In F1, there is one key ingredient you cannot buy: time."