Renault says beating Mercedes unlikely

The French squad is 43 points behind the reigning champion team - fourth in the standings - with just three races to go, meaning Renault will have to score strongly in order to have a shot at beating its main rival.

That is why Boullier suggests Renault is unlikely to finish ahead of Mercedes this year, although he is not ruling out anything.

"With three races to go, it's now very much an uphill struggle - but this is F1, and anything can still happen," said Boullier.

"We have a huge amount of respect for Mercedes as competitors, they are the reigning world champion team, and they have had a strong second half of the season where they made the most of their opportunities."

Boullier believes, however, that Renault has every reason to feel satisfied with its performance this year, having improved significantly since last season.

"Even if we don't overhaul them in the standings, we can be very proud of our achievements this year," he said.

"From a low point twelve months ago, we are the most improved team of 2010 and, in the second half of the season, we have been taking the fight to the teams at the front of the grid.

"That's a real tribute to the quality of the people we have at Enstone - and a very promising sign for the future."