Renault hope to keep edge despite rules

The French car manufacturer made the most of new aerodynamic rules and the one-tyre per race rule this season to grab both World Championships.

And although a new knock-out qualifying format is being introduced and tyre changes are returning, Renault's director of engineering Pat Symonds is upbeat about his team keeping their place at the front of the grid.

"It may seem obvious, but the first thing to say is that the changes are fact," said Symonds. "So what we have to concentrate on now is how best to respond.

"We had major changes to the technical and sporting regulations for 2005, and I think we proved that we adapt very well: the car was competitive from the first race. And it wasn't just the team, our partners did the same, Elf for example with the extended engine life, or Michelin and how they responded to the single-race tyre regulations.

"It goes without saying that when you are winning, you don't want to change anything. But I think our team - and our partners - thrive on the challenge that change presents, and we will tackle the 2006 season with the same determination we did 2005."

The new regulations for next year will also have an impact on how team's use their engines, and Renault believe that a lot of thought will need to go into how teams use their power-units over Grand Prix weekends.

Renault's head of engine operations Denis Chevrier said: "As engine builders, any changes to the regulations lead us to a rapid evaluation of each area that might have an impact on our work.

"It is clear that the revised qualifying format carries the inherent implication of a higher mileage life cycle, which we can estimate as an increase of around 10%. Subsequently, multiple tyre changes will also lead us to re-assess how and when we use the engine's performance in the race, to take strategic advantage of new tyres.

"The changes will mean we adjust our dyno and track running during the winter to simulate these conditions but at this stage of the development process, they do not provide any insurmountable problems."