Symonds' role to change in 2007

Symonds wants to step down from the kind of extensive responsibilities he has had up until now, and the departure of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso has given Renault the perfect opportunity to evolve their structure.

Although Symonds still plans to attend all races and will remain involved in tactics and the on-track decision-making process, chief responsibility for running Renault's activities at events will be taken by Alan Permane, who was Giancarlo Fisichella's race engineer.

Permane's new title will be chief race engineer, and he will be assisted by Symonds during the early part of 2007 to ensure a smooth transition period.

A Renault spokesman confirmed the changes are part of a planned restructure that has been considered for some time, and one that they hope will allow them to maintain the momentum of their back-to-back world championship successes.

"The changes form part of the team's planned transition into 2007, which will see the team racing with a new driver line-up, and the commencement of an engine supply agreement with Red Bull Racing that creates additional trackside roles at races and tests," the spokesman told autosport.com.

Symonds' redefined role will allow him to work more closely with team boss Flavio Briatore, and he will continue to represent Renault on the Technical Working Group (TWG) as well as being a member of the FIA's Open Cockpit Research Group.

Permane's promotion means that there will be a reorganisation of the race engineers at the team, although the team have not yet decided whether Fernando Alonso's former race engineer Rod Nelson will move across to work with Fisichella or start a new relationship with Heikki Kovalainen. A decision will be taken over the winter.

The commencement of the Red Bull Racing customer deal will see Denis Chevrier, Renault's head of trackside engine operations, take responsibility for both the Renault team and their new engine partner.

Fisichella's former race engineer Fabrice Lom will change roles to co-ordinate the group of trackside personnel allotted to support Red Bull Racing's effort.

The Renault spokesman added: "In parallel with the evolution of the chassis team, engine trackside operations have also been reviewed.

"This review took account of the engine supply agreement with Red Bull Racing, the changes to the engine rules and the agreement between the teams concerning private testing.

"These changes will be finalised and confirmed internally during the winter, with effect from the first test of 2007."

Renault have become only the sixth team in F1 history to secure back-to-back drivers' and constructors' championships, and the team have set their sight on adding more titles next year.