Renault Making Steady Progress, Says Alonso

Renault have made steady improvements to their new Formula One car since it first hit the track last month, Spanish driver Fernando Alonso said today.

"We have been running lots of new parts since the launch and each one has been a step forward," he said on the team's website. "We are getting to know the R23 a lot better and the first signs are very encouraging.

"I'm expecting that we will make another step forward when we run with the new bodywork. Already the car is more stable and has more grip."

Alonso was second quickest in a hybrid car without the definitive aerodynamic package in Valencia on Tuesday with a time of 1:10.872 that was half a second faster than their previous best.

"That just goes to show how much we have achieved over the winter," said the 21-year-old, who is returning to the Formula One grid after a debut season with Minardi in 2001 was followed by a year as Renault test driver.

The French team finished fourth overall in 2002 and have set a target of regular podium places this year before they challenged for the title in subsequent seasons. Alonso has yet to score his first point in Formula One.

The team's director of engineering Pat Symonds added that "on the mechanical side, the step forward has exceeded our initial expectations. And we still haven't really pushed in terms of performance.

"We have experienced a few small worries on the engine side but we are confident that the team will be able to solve them before Melbourne," Symonds said.

The season starts in Australia on March 9.