Renault needed new direction, says Faure

The decision to return to the conventional route flew in the face of former engine chief Jean-Jacques His's wishes, and was a key factor in his recent move to the Ferrari Maserati group.

Faure said in Monte Carlo: "Very simply, it took us more time and more work to have the reliability on the engine with the wide-angle. When we had to decide for the 2004 engine with the new regulations, after a lot of thought we decided to take probably the most reasonable solution, which was to come back to a more classical engine. That should allow us to quickly have a reliable and powerful engine, with probably less risk being taken on an 800km per weekend engine. You might call it insurance for the future."

Speaking about His's departure, he added: "There was probably a very clear connection. Jean-Jacques wanted to continue with the wide-angle engine. At the end of the day it's the job of the company CEO to decide, so we went the other way and Jean-Jacques took his decision afterwards, which he is completely free to do.

"On Tuesday we had a farewell drink with him and I think we've parted on good terms. He has done an enormous job for Renault. We will never forget that."