Renault 'needs more speed'

Renault technical director Mike Gascoyne reckons it is too early to expect the team to challenge Formula 1's 'big three' at this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix - but he remains optimistic of a good result

The French manufacturer came close to scoring its first podium of the season in the Malaysian GP, with Jenson Button losing third on the last lap with a rear suspension problem. Although neither Button nor team-mate Jarno Trulli could match the pace of Ferrari, Williams and McLaren, Gascoyne was encouraged by the team's form.

"We need more speed to challenge the top three teams on merit but we are definitely moving in the right direction," he said. "We have every reason to be optimistic."

Gascoyne expects Renault to make further inroads at Interlagos this weekend. "Our aim is to give the drivers a car that will allow them to finish on what is traditionally a tough circuit in terms of reliability," he said. "I expect to be qualifying behind the top six, and hope to score points to confirm our fourth place in the pecking order."

The R202 should be suited to the bumpy track, Gascoyne added. "We have identified and confirmed the handling problems that Jarno had and we believe that the engine problems we experienced have been solved. The drivers think that the car's good balance and handling should help on the bumpy circuit."