Renault not giving up on 2007

The world champions have a fifth place as their best result following the first four races of the season, and they have scored 40 points less than in 2006 after their R27 car proved to be less competitive then last year's machine.

But Renault have been hard at work to solve their problems, and their drivers showed progress at the Spanish Grand Prix last week, showing the French outfit are determined to keep on pushing in 2007 despite not having a chance of fighting for the titles.

"It is no secret that we achieve very good results with sensible budgets at Renault F1 team, and that is a genuine source of pride," said Bell. "But we are lacking nothing in our efforts to rebound. Development is on-going, our problem-solving is progressing well, and as at this time every year, work is beginning on 2008.

"Does that mean we are giving up on 2007? Certainly not. But it also shows that we are staying disciplined, and determined not to let our current situation affect work on next year's car."

Despite being hindered by refuelling problems in Barcelona, both Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen seemed to be closer to the top teams, a trend Bell expects to continue in this weekend's race at Monaco.

"We certainly saw a small improvement during the weekend in Barcelona," he added. "Our new suspension and aerodynamic developments were clearly working well, and the drivers both felt more confident with the car than they had done at recent races.

"They were ultimately hindered by the refuelling problems we experienced, but I think it is fair to say that we managed to unlock a little more of the potential that we know is in the car. We hope to see the trend continue again this weekend in Monaco."