[Racer Duck]

With just over a month to go before the opening race of 2008, Pat Symonds, Renault’s Executive Director of Engineering discusses his predictions for the coming season and reveals his opinions on the future of the sport…

Q: Pat, what are you most excited about ahead of the 2008 season?
Pat Symonds: This time last year, I said I would be disappointed if we didn’t win a couple of races during the season. I was disappointed… but I don’t intend to stay disappointed in 2008!

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There were some statements Symonds made in response to questions that I think are very revealing:

• We have to be sure that the R28 is not just a race-winning car, but one that inspires confidence from the drivers.
• It is important to stress, though, that the electronic controls were enhancements of, and not substitutes for, sound handling. We have always tried to give the car good basic characteristics; our vehicle dynamics philosophy has not changed.
• I think this is a good, simple enhancement to the previous system (re: the new qualifying rules). It will probably see more forward-biased strategies, with shorter stints in the early part of the race.
• We must approach the task with care (re: the budget cap planned for 2009) - and considerable thought. It is vital that we develop a coherent methodology to reduce the cost of going racing, without compromising the fundamental ‘DNA’ of Formula One.