Renault Aim to Fight for Title in 2005

Renault are looking to fight for victory on a regular basis in 2005, according to the French team's chairman Patrick Faure.

"No longer will we be satisfied to be regular podium finishers," said Faure during the launch of the 2005 car. "This season, we must take regular race wins. Since Renault's return to Formula One in 2002, we have set ambitious objectives and, each time, achieved them.

"I believe we can deliver on our promises once again."

The R25, which was already unveiled when tested at the Valencia circuit last week, was launched with the target of improving on last year's third place in the Constructors' Championship.

Faure said the team's target is to be fighting for the title as early as this year.

"Everything is now in place for us to move up to the next level," added Faure. "Viry-Chatillon and Enstone are working together in complete synergy. Our team has been built up progressively and without precipitation.

"We want to be fighting for the world title in 2005-6, which means we must be among the teams who can compete with Ferrari on an equal footing this year."

The R25 is the work of chief designer Tim Densham, overseen by technical director Bob Bell, while development of the RS25 has been led by project leader Axel Plasse under the leadership of engine technical director Rob White.

The car will be driven by Fernando Alonso and Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, who rejoins the team from Sauber.

"Our driver line-up is perfectly balanced," said Faure. "Fernando will reach his peak this year, while Giancarlo is at the top of his game. He is quick and, most importantly, a finisher. This is a key factor: being able to fight for the world title means systematically collecting points with two cars."

Renault scored just one win last season, when Jarno Trulli, now at Toyota, took victory at the Monaco Grand Prix.