Symonds: more to come from Renault

The world champions have started to move closer to the top of the field after a difficult start to their season, and the French outfit scored the same amount of points as main rivals BMW Sauber in the last two races in North America.

And although Symonds reckons that fact is not too significant, the Briton is adamant that Renault will continue to take step forwards as more work is done on solving the problems with the R27 car.

"Well, the first thing to say is that the results don't quite tell the full story, because some odd things happened to both teams, in both races," said Symonds. "But in overall terms, yes, I think it's indicative of the fact that the tide is turning, we are very close to BMW now and racing them hard.

"Without a doubt, we have upped our game and pulled out of the midfield bunch we were in, to stand on top of it. And there's still more to come."

He added: "There's plenty of activity at the factory, that's for sure. As we better understand the problems we have been suffering from, we are able to improve the car. There will be enhancements for France and Britain. And that's in addition to continue the push with our normal development processes.

"There are a lot of new bits coming for the car, and you can be certain that we will keep on fighting."

Renault are yet to finish on the podium this season, with two four places as their best results ahead of their home Grand Prix at Magny-Cours this weekend.

Although the team have struggled in tracks like the French one this season, Symonds is convinced Renault will enjoy a stronger outing this time out.

"Magny-Cours is known as a very smooth circuit - although the new final chicane now gives the cars a severe pounding," he added. "It's quite an aerodynamic circuit, with some good fast chicanes which need a responsive car. The challenge is very different to that of the low-medium downforce tracks in Canada and the USA.

"If you look back to circuits like Barcelona, we were struggling there at the time, but since then some very positive steps forward have been made. So I certainly believe our performance will be better, but we are still working on the car, still trying things, and hoping for a good race in France."