Renault target third title in a row

Formula One champions Renault set their sights on winning a third successive title, this time without Fernando Alonso, after unveiling their 2007 car yesterday.

"At this stage of the year, all you can do is create the wrong kind of pressure by announcing big targets," declared team boss Flavio Briatore.

"At Renault, we know we are a top team and that we have the ingredients we need to fight at the front in Formula One.

"Every year people write us off because we have to adapt to big changes. And in the last two years, we defied their expectations. We are aiming to do the same again in 2007."

Alonso, the youngest double champion in Formula One history, has left for McLaren leaving Renault a line-up of veteran Italian Giancarlo Fisichella and Finnish rookie Heikki Kovalainen.

Fisichella has been eclipsed by Alonso for the past two seasons while Kovalainen will be making his debut in Australia on March 18 at an unfamiliar track.

Briatore recognised Alonso's departure was a big change for the team, as was the arrival of new Dutch title sponsor ING, but the core of the team was settled.

"We have been working with both our drivers for two years now and they know the team inside out," he said. "We have long-term commitment from Renault, long-term investment from ING and a stable team and technical management.

"We have always said that our philosophy is that you need the right team to win, not just one person. This year is the chance to prove that our philosophy is the right one."