2007 was a difficult year for the team. What are the ambitions for 2008?

We expect to see the team back in its normal place, fighting at the front of the field. This is the target that the team has set itself for the new car. On the technical side, everybody has worked hard to overcome the problems encountered last year. On the driver front, Fernando Alonso’s return was an important boost. There is optimism inside the team and within Renault.

Renault often speaks of the need to maximise the return on its F1 investment. Can you explain how this is being achieved?

Formula 1 is one of the main pillars of the company’s global sales and marketing strategies. In non-traditional markets, Formula 1 is a powerful tool for building brand awareness – and in 2007, Renault’s sales outside Western Europe grew by 16.5%. Our status as one of the sport’s leading teams demonstrates Renault can build vehicles that deliver performance, reliability and high technology. To make the most of our Formula 1 involvement, our product range must complement these values – and 2008 will see the launch of nine new models. From an overall perspective, Formula 1 is a meaningful and profitable investment for Renault.

The FIA aims to make Formula 1 the spearhead for technology change in road cars, by promoting ‘green’ technologies. Does Renault support this move?

Renault has taken an important lead on environmental issues, with a commitment to sell one million vehicles emitting less than 140g/km of CO2 in 2008, and one third of these emitting less than 120g/km of CO2. We believe it is entirely logical that Formula 1 should be used to promote new technologies that can improve the energy-efficiency of road-going vehicles, and to transform public perceptions of those solutions: it is consistent with the values of high technology, performance and reliability that the sport embodies. The introduction of KERS for 2009 will be an important step, and the project will showcase the best technological solutions of the combined resources of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.