Renault slightly ahead, says Symonds

The World Champions have been very quick and reliable in winter testing with their new R26 car, fighting at the top of the times with Honda and McLaren.

Symonds believes the French squad are slightly ahead of their rivals in terms of pace and he is confident to kick-start the season in strong fashion.

"I'm very satisfied with every component and aspect of the new R26. Since the first kilometres we've been immediately quick and reliable, and we probably have now a small laptime advantage over Honda and McLaren and a little more over Ferrari," Symonds told Autosprint.

"We faced each others on three circuits - Jerez, Valencia and Barcelona - I can't say how much this situation can be replicated on other tracks, but I think we still have a large potential to improve our performance.

"As for reliability, the only problem we encountered was the rear wing at the last test at Jerez, and that's fully solved now. That's why we look with optimism towards the first races."

Symonds has also tipped Giancarlo Fisichella to enjoy a stronger season following the disappointment of 2005, when he was overshadowed by his teammate Fernando Alonso.

"I'm a big supporter of Fisichella, an excellent driver and fine team player," he added. "It's true, in 2005 he was overshadowed by Alonso's performances, but his season was also compromised by his positions on the starting grid.

"They weren't always good, a result of the regulations which set the qualifying order based on the previous race result.

"Maybe during the season he lost some self confidence, but I'm sure this year, by starting good immediately, things will be easier for him, and he'll have a great season."