Symonds confident of more points

It has taken two fourth places in the opening three races of 2002 and Symonds believes the car's inherent characteristics, coupled with new front wing endplates, will allow drivers Jenson Button and Jarno Trulli to continue their good form.

"The 202 is a good all-round car," said Symonds, "but if there is one area in which we are particularly strong, it is traction, which comes from a combination of the chassis, engine design and traction control. Imola features a lot of acceleration from low speed, so we can be hopeful of points."

So far this season Button has claimed all six of the team's points. However, technical director Mike Gascoyne is pleased with Trulli's input and is backing the Italian to bounce back at his home race this weekend.

"Jarno has been settling in without any problems, and both he and Jenson have qualified and raced strongly," said Gascoyne. "I think they are evenly matched and because of that they are pushing the team forward in a very productive way."

Renault's cause will be further aided this weekend by the introduction of new developments on the RS22 engine designed to increase performance and reliability.

Renault has never won the San Marino GP as a constructor, but it has supplied engines to the winning car on seven occasions. Its last success was in 1997.