Bell confident of 'big step forward'.

Until they change the ridiculous engine freeze and rev limiting rules the races will be realistically between Ferrari and MaClaren. The only way anyone else will win is if those teams have a crash or have car failure or major driver error. The engine rules as is even with the new 2009 regs will still benefit those two teams.

Is it me or do most recent big steps forward mean lots of additional protrusions to an otherwise swoopy bodywork. Couldn't these be limited in some way, because IMO they look awful.

They may well look awfull, but in this era of aeroF1, this is the only way to upgrade the performance of the car.
Just hope that the 2009 rules change will be benificial toward eliminating this situation.

In F1, which is the ultimate in technological advance in car design and manufacture, organizations such as the FIA should not make rules that will harness progress.
Engine size should be determined in cubic capacity only and that they should be naturally aspirated, but otherwise engine manufacturers should have a free hand. Otherwise how can speed and performance be improved in any team?
Bob Bell, is only echoing what Fernando has told the team after the first test, viz: that the car requires a tidal wave of improvements to perform.
Renault have won with Benetton, Williams ans with their own works team in the past. The FIA should stop interferring with progress.