Symonds denies Renault engine boost

Alonso's Renault does not appear to be lacking power anymore

(GMM) Pat Symonds has denied that Renault's recent actions amid the engine 'freeze' may have contributed to the French team's radical boost in performance.

It is believed that Renault has been among the most disadvantaged teams amid the current freeze in engine development.

Team figures including boss Flavio Briatore have complained that by complying with the letter of the new rules, its engine could be up to 30 horse power behind teams that found loopholes.

Renault, however, introduced approved changes to its V8 unit at last month's Italian grand prix, sparking suggestions that the upgrade could have delivered a performance benefit that contributed to Fernando Alonso's back to back wins.

"It was an evolution regarding our reliability; we have not gained any power," engineering director Pat Symonds said in interview with Spain's sports newspaper Marca.

"We had some problems with our existing specification, and, like all the other teams do, we have tried to solve them. But there is not anything new as far as performance benefits," the Briton added.

He even denied that the reliability improvements have allowed the drivers to move closer than before to the 19,000 rpm limit.

"No," Symonds replied. "We could already go right to the limit of the revolutions per minute maximum."

Pat Symonds, meanwhile, does not agree with bosses of some of F1's other carmaker-backed teams who object to proposals for a standardized engine design for the near future.

"We need to carefully watch the economic situation and acknowledge that car manufacturers are going to go through very tough times. Perhaps it is necessary to adapt," he said.