Symonds admits Renault engine concern

Last year's Renault engine failed to match its rivals in the power stakes, and its V10 powerplant features a unique vee-angle which is wider than its opposition. It is thought to be giving away almost 100bhp to F1 engine pacesetters BMW.

"We have experienced a few small worries on the engine side, but we are confident that the team will be able to solve them before Melbourne," said Symonds, who went on to say he was pleased with the new R23 chassis' performance.

"From an overall point of view, we are very happy with the R23," he said. "On the mechanical side, the step forward has exceeded our initial expectations and we still haven't really pushed in terms of performance. The car will be fitted with its definitive aero package next week, and we should make another step then. This package will be very close to what was seen on the car at the launch in Switzerland."

Renault's test driver Allan McNish echoed Symonds' sentiments in Valencia yesterday (Tuesday) when he told autosport.com: "The car is good, we just need more power."