Symonds Pays Tribute to Renault Staff

Renault have enjoyed a memorable season, taking both the drivers' and the constructors' titles only five years after making their return as a full team.

The French manufacturer took over from the Benetton team prior to racing under its own name in 2000.

Symonds, who was working for Benetton when the team took both titles in 1995, admits things have changed a lot since then.

"We are all a lot older," Symonds joked. "I think the real difference is the scale. At the end of 1995, when we won the Championship, we had 227 people. The engine was, appropriately, supplied to us by Renault Sport, along with support staff to run it at the races, but it essentially arrived in a box.

"Fast forward to 2005, and we have just crossed the threshold of 500 people in Enstone, and there are another 250 at Viry. In 1995, we had a dominant season, but 2005 has been much harder, and those 800 people are what has allowed us to push the development all the way.

"In the final three races, we had suspension modifications, chassis improvements, a big aero upgrade and the engine in China. It was a complete effort at every level, and every one of those 800 people has played their part.

"What hasn't changed is the sheer satisfaction of winning. This is the title that represents the whole team effort. In 10, 20 or 30 years' time, the satisfaction of winning will still be there."