Renault Rule Out Runner-Up Spot

The Renault team are not expecting to regain second place in the Constructors' Championship following a disappointing Japanese Grand Prix.

Renault scored just four points at the Suzuka race, with Spaniard Fernando Alonso fifth and Canadian Jacques Villeneuve 10th and out of the points again in his second race for the team since he replaced Italian Jarno Trulli.

Britain's Jenson Button finished third for BAR, with Japanese teammate Takuma Sato in fourth as BAR virtually secured second place in the standings. BAR have 116 points to 100 for Renault with just the Brazilian Grand Prix remaining.

"Overall, this was a disappointing result after a difficult weekend for everybody," said Renault's managing director Flavio Briatore. "I think Fernando did the maximum today but the car was not quick enough to allow him to fight the cars in front.

"Looking to Brazil, it is hard to remain hopeful about our championship chances but as long as we have a possibility of re-gaining second position, then we will be motivated to try and seize it."