Renault Not Second Best Car, Says Symonds

Renault executive director of engineering Pat Symonds said on Thursday that his team are not the strongest rivals to Ferrari heading into this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

The Anglo-French team have stepped up a gear this season and are currently lying second to the Italian World Champions in the Championship after five races of the 18-race Championship.

"I don't think we have the second quickest car," said Symonds. "We're second in the World Championship, so I suppose by definition we are (the major challenger). I think that as a team we're a good team but I don't think we have the second quickest car out there at the moment and that troubles me. It troubles me that we haven't got the quickest out there."

Ferrari are walking away with the World Championship this year with World Champion Michael Schumacher winning all five races and taking four fastest laps and four pole positions. Renault driver Fernando Alonso, of Spain, and Italian Jarno Trulli have scored consistently, both finishing in the points in every race and both claiming one podium finish each.

But BAR-Honda, who put in a very strong showing in practice in Monaco on Thursday, appear to be the strongest force with Briton Jenson Button claiming three podium finishes and also scoring in all five races.

But Symonds promised Renault can still be the team to take the fight to Ferrari.

"We're getting over some of the shortcomings that we have and that's reflecting in the results," he said. "There's a hell of a lot to do to catch Ferrari and even more to overtake them. We never believe it's impossible. We recognise how hard it is, but that's what we're here for."