Kovalainen says Renault will bounce back

After two seasons winning world titles, Renault are now struggling to finish on the podium with their new R27.

But despite the frustrations, Kovalainen is convinced the team will get to the bottom of the reasons why they are so slow - and thinks it vital that they do not panic about what is going on.

"We will bounce back," Kovalainen wrote in his column for the BBC. "We have the best mechanics, engineers and designers, and are still a fantastic team. We will find a solution eventually. But at the moment all I can do is drive to the maximum.

"I am always very realistic about everything. I live my life in the moment and it is better to stay calm and not panic when things aren't going well. It is actually harder for the mechanics and the other people in the team than it is for me.

"These are the same people who ran Fernando Alonso's car for the last two years. They were used to bolting the tyres on and seeing it take pole. Then they polished it, sent it out on a Sunday and it won the race. Now we are struggling to get into the top 10."

Kovalainen thinks that eventually Renault can join the three-way fight at the front between Ferrari, McLaren and BMW Sauber, although he is not sure exactly when that will be.

"It looks as though the 2007 championship will be very exciting, with four drivers currently very close on points. Even BMW look competitive," he added. "But that is the least of our worries at the moment.

"We are just focused on making our package competitive so we can join the pace the leaders are setting. That's our target. I have no doubt we will get there, but at the moment it's impossible to say when."