The ruling comes after they suffered their first double retirement since Canada 2005, allowing them to slip further into the clutches of
Ferrari in the constructors‘ standings, seven points now separating the sparring partners.
Renault nonetheless go to Turkey with their heads held high after a stronger showing from their R26 in Hungary,
Fernando Alonso losing what looked like a comfortable win when a loose wheel nut forced him to retire.
Nonetheless, Alonso was encouraged by his surge to the front from his penalty- influenced 15th on the grid, the Spaniard insisting that his form in Hungary shows he can produce a similar front running performance in Turkey, albeit in the dry this time.
“I'm feeling very positive. I am in the position where everybody wants to be – leading the championship, with the races counting down. There was some pressure on us after Germany, but the race in Hungary showed that the R26 is still very competitive, and that you have to take every weekend one at a time.
“Turkey will be a new race with its own challenges, but I am feeling confident. This type of circuit suits our car, and Michelin will bring good tyres. So we need to concentrate on our job, put the package together and make no mistakes. Then let's see what the race brings…”
Istanbul Park is also a favourite for Alonso having finished second there last year, the championship leader giving it stern praise indeed by comparing it to the legendary Spa-Francorchamps.
“Parts of it are like a classic circuit such as Spa. It is a very wide, modern circuit and there are plenty of overtaking opportunities. It features some special corners as well, which are blind when you go into them, so it's quite different to what we normally find on a new track.
“And of course, there is turn 8, which is a very long left-hander where we will probably be flat out with the V8 this year, with lateral loadings of 4G.
It's a fun circuit, and this will be one of the season's important races.”
Giancarlo Fisichella is equally confident of a good result, but he will need to bounce back from his retirement in the Hungary when he spun off in the wet conditions that have traditionally earned him the status as one of the finest ‘rain masters’ over the years.
