Renault technical director Bob Bell says that the team have shifted focus to next season following a below-par 2007.
Constructors' champions look to future after disappointing season
Renault technical director Bob Bell says that the team have shifted focus to next season following a below-par 2007.
Having lost both lead driver Fernando Alonso and tyre supplier Michelin, the defending constructors' champions are in a transitional season and have thus slipped down the field.
Driving an R27 car which has struggled to adapt to control Bridgestone rubber, drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen have yet to score a podium finish this season.
Renault are currently placed fourth in the constructors' standings, albeit 38 points behind nearest rivals BMW Sauber.
And, although Bell said that Renault would introduce new aerodynamic components over the next two grand prix, he also confirmed that the Anglo-French team are shifting emphasis towards their 2008 challenger.
"Our level of performance so far has been well below our expectations at the start of the season," he said.
"But having said that, there have been a number of positives too, most importantly the way in which the team has handled, and responded to, what was a tough situation for all concerned.
"We will have some minor aerodynamic upgrades in Turkey, and a new aero package in Monza adapted to the very low drag set-up we require there.
"We will also be working hard to extract more performance at the track from our most recent developments. Back at the factory, though, the moment has come to focus our energies on 2008."
Different approach
Bell promised that Renault's 2008 car would result from an approach "quite different to recent years".
"We have always said that our problems this year would not compromise next year's programme, and that remains the case," he continued.
"Our design and development resources are already focusing intently on 2008.
"We began work on the car early, and our approach has been quite different to recent years.
"First and foremost, we had to be certain that our development tools were working correctly. Once this was confirmed, we began putting a lot of energy into the design of the new car.
"The project is on time, and we have been exploring some very interesting new development paths."
