Pat Symonds believes Renault can consolidate their third place in the constructors' championship at the final three races of the season.
Engineering director warns of late-season "slip-ups"
Pat Symonds believes Renault can consolidate their third place in the constructors' championship at the final three races of the season.
With the Japanese, Chinese and Brazilian grands prix to come, the defending champions lie 11 points clear of Williams, with fifth-placed Red Bull another 10 points further back.
Director of engineering Symonds maintains that drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen can end the season on a high, but has also warned the team that even one slip-up could cost them dear.
"The midfield group has clearly closed up over the last few races, which was to be expected, but I am confident that we still have the performance to lead that group," Symonds said.
"While our championship position is relatively comfortable, we cannot afford any slip-ups, and especially if we have to deal with unpredictable conditions which are a distinct possibility.
"This has not been our best season, but the drivers and the team deserve great credit for their undiminished commitment. We will be aiming to finish on a high, with three strong, dynamic races."
Championship battle
As for the fraught battle at McLaren between Fernando Alonso - a double world champion with Renault - and Lewis Hamilton, Symonds hinted that he thought the drivers' title could go the way of the Spaniard.
He added: "I think it is natural and normal, the way it should be.
"They are competitive people, and they are both burning to win. I have been immensely impressed with Lewis, but we may have seen a little chink in his armour after Spa.
"As for Fernando, we know how strong he is psychologically. I am looking forward to seeing how their battle unfolds over the final races."
