Renault should fly at twisty Budapest

The anticipated hot conditions in Budapest are likely to favour Michelin runners like Renault, and the slow nature of the track should minimise the power disadvantage of the Renault engine, which has in any case been modified in a bid to address this.

"I think this kind of circuit will suit our car," said technical director Mike Gascoyne. "The last very high downforce track was Monaco, where we were not as quick as we should have been.But given the steps forward we have made since then, we can expect to be very strong if we perform to our full potential. I think we must aim to qualify at the front of the grid and race strongly for another podium finish."

In-form team driver Jarno Trulli agrees: "I think we have a good car for the track, and the testing on Friday morning will allow us to try a bigger range of set-ups to get it exactly right."

The modifications to the track for this year include a longer front straight, which means full-throttle performance will come into play a little more than previously. Although this is not expected to substantially altar the slow nature of the circuit, Renault have modified the upper part of the engine for increased power and speed.