Renault retains driver line-up for 2004

The team was widely expected to stick with the duo for next season. Spaniard Alonso has a long-term contract with the team and, although Trulli's current contract expired at the end of this season, team boss Flavio Briatore had recently said that his position in the team was secure.

Patrick Faure, the team's chairman, said that the stability offered by retaining its driver line-up would be key to the continued success of the team next season.

"The atmosphere in the team is excellent, the relationship between our drivers outstanding, and the technical team works well with them," he said. "A stable environment is one of the pre-conditions for success, and this is why we believe maintaining our driver line-up is a key factor as our programme builds to full competitiveness."

Managing director Flavio Briatore believes that the pairing of Alonso and Trulli will enable the team to take a further step forwards next season. "This driver line-up provides us with a perfect balance," said Briatore. "Next year will be Jarno's eighth season in Fomula 1, and everybody knows he is an extremely fast, competitive racing driver. Fernando has more than justified the faith we showed in him last year, and is maturing with the team as he acquires experience at the highest level.

"Our objectives for 2003 have been achieved, and in some cases exceeded. For next season, we are looking to take a further step forward, and believe these are the drivers who will enable us to do that."