Montagny: V8s to shift set-up focus

The Frenchman has been running a restricted V10 Renault engine this week, which simulates the power levels expected from next year's 2.4-litre power-units, and he claims that the different configuration will affect the chassis concept.

He believes teams will move their attention to getting the front of their cars working well, with recent focus having been on the rear.

"The engine is a central parameter in the chassis set-up," he said. "So any change has an impact, and that is what we have been working on this week.

"This year, with the V10, we were very much focused on the behaviour and wear at the rear of the car, because the high engine power meant that the rear tyres were working very hard in the high speed corners.

"Now though, with the restricted engine, we have seen that the rear is now less critical, and that we are concentrating more on the front end of the car to balance the car."

Although there is an estimated 20 percent power loss from V8 engines, compared to the V10s, Montagny still believes that the new engines will provide a challenge for drivers.

"At the start of 2005, when the new aero regulations were introduced, the drivers were all generally a bit disappointed because the cars were more sensitive and harder to drive, but as we brought out new developments through the year, we managed to develop a very quick car - and a quick car is always fun to drive," he said.

"The V10 will soon be forgotten, and the new regulations will certainly shuffle the pack a bit in terms of performance. What we need to do now is understand the demands of this new challenge faster, and better, than our rivals."