No 'transition year' for Renault

Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has moved to the McLaren team, leaving Giancarlo Fisichella as the leading driver for the 2007 season.

The Italian will be partnered by rookie Heikki Kovalainen.

The team will also sport new colours in 2007, after replacing Mild Seven with ING, the Dutch banking group with now title-sponsors Renault.

Dassas says that, despite the changes, Renault's goals remain the same.

"Double championship success in 2005 and 2006 has earned Renault its status as a major force in Formula One," asserted Dassas. "Our Formula One championship success is a benchmark of excellence that we aim to meet in every area of our operations.

"Consecutive double championships are concrete proof that Renault can win in a demanding environment where success demands quality, technical excellence and reliability.

"We must now live up to that reputation. The team will present a fresh face to the world with the arrival of ING as our new title partner, and we are proud to welcome this major, global financial institution to Formula One.

"But on track, our challenge will remain the same: we will be asking our technical teams and drivers to make Renault a championship contender in 2007."

Renault's team manager Flavio Briatore backed Dassas' comments, saying 2007 will not be a transition year for the team.

"This is no year of transition for the ING Renault F1 team," said Briatore. "We have always said that the team is what matters, and that success comes from the team spirit that unites us. 2007 is a fantastic opportunity to prove exactly that.

"There are some big changes for this season, not just at Renault but throughout the grid. We believe in our choices, and we are confident that they will help us achieve more success in 2007.

"It will be a year of tough competition at every level. Those are the conditions that allow the best teams to shine, and that is exactly what we intend to do."