Grapevine: Renault Say Symonds is Not Going Anywhere

Renault boss Flavio Briatore spoke out at Interlagos on Friday morning against rumours that the team's executive director of engineering, Pat Symonds, could leave the Anglo-French outfit.

Symonds, who works alongside technical director Mike Gascoyne in the team's Enstone factory, had been linked with the vacant post at Jaguar but Briatore insisted his man is going nowhere.

"It is time to put an end to these unfounded rumours," said Briatore. "Pat is not only one of the most valued members of our senior technical management but also a personal friend. The team and Pat have a longstanding and successful partnership, and we trust this will continue."

The team, which took over the Benetton operation at the end of last year, have seen a massive jump in competitiveness this season which almost resulted in a podium finish in Malaysia two weeks ago.

They are now hotly tipped to finish the season as the fourth best team, and Symonds insisted that he does not want to leave when there are such exciting times ahead.

"I am extremely happy with my current position and with my relationship with the entire Renault F1 team," said Symonds. "This is a very exciting time for all of us as the team grows in competitiveness and I look forward to sharing in our future success."