Ralf is not betting on Renault for the tittle!

By role
February 18 2004

Williams F1 driver does not think Renault can pose a real threat for the World Championship on the upcoming 2004 season. In a recent interview on itv-f1.com the German driver has stated that he feels his real contenders will be Ferrari and McLaren.

"There’s no doubt Ferrari is the team to beat. It’s not up to them to beat us, it’s up to us to show that we have managed to close the gap." He said.

Despite McLaren recent lack of pace Ralf still thinks they will be a challenge in the new season:

"McLaren will be very strong, believe me. They have had enough time to prepare their new car and even with their so called old car they have been very competitive." He added.

"To be honest, I don’t see Renault in a championship position as I imagine they might have some problems with their new engine. But I have to say that they have been very strong at the tests." He concluded.

Bis team thinks otherwise though, as recently Frank Willimas said:

"Leaving aside our drivers, I would say Michael [is the favourite] and maybe Alonso - the Renault is a very impressive car,". He added. "We've got a good car, but I suspect Ferrari will be the team to beat. And I think that Renault will cause a few major problems."

Patrick Head has also called the Renault R24 "the most impresive new car he has seen".

Ferrari drivers Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello have also pointed Renault as a potential threat based on their speed on long runs during test sessions.