Chevrier: motivation still high at Renault

"In 2006, we had scored forty-six points and in 2007 the total so far is nine after three events," he said.

"We've changed from favourite to outsider, and it's not easy to accept. But we're racers and it is in adversity that a team shows its true mettle.

"We're determined to fight, and we know that our efforts will pay off in the end."

Chevrier added that the situation is more difficult for Renault this season than in previous years because the regulations now allow less scope for teams to recover lost ground.

The engine development freeze, single tyre supplier and testing restrictions have all limited the possibilities for a struggling team to make progress.

"Our frustration today is not entirely related to the team's results," he said.

"We're frustrated by the present regulations, which have really robbed us of the possibility of making the difference as engineers.

"In the past, if the team was lagging behind the engineers were able to play a crucial role in overcoming the lack of performance. This season it's much more limited."