Renault ahead of schedule with new car

Formula One champions Renault reported good progress with their 2007 car yesterday and expected the first chassis to be ready by Christmas.

"Everything is running smoothly," said technical director Bob Bell.

"Compared to the design of the R26 (this year's car), we are definitely ahead of the game at this stage."

Bell said the car's initial track shakedown would be in Jerez on January 16 with two cars running from that first test onwards.

The car's formal launch will be in Amsterdam on January 24. Renault have a new title sponsor next year in Dutch-based financial giant ING.