French Formula One team Renault have confirmed their faith in Fernando Alonso and Jarno Trulli by signing both drivers for another year as they announced an unchanged driver line-up for the 2004 season.
Alonso has been one of the outstanding drivers of the season and, although Trulli struggled earlier in the year, the Italian’s late season displays helped secured his place alongside his Spanish teammate.
Renault F1 managing director Flavio Briatore said: ”Everybody knows Jarno is an extremely fast, competitive racing driver. Fernando has more than justified the faith we showed last year and is maturing with the team as he acquires experience.”
Renault have emerged in recent years as viable contenders to the top three teams on the grid — Ferrari, Williams and McLaren — although a fourth-place finish in the constructors’ championship looks on the cards.
Briatore said that Renault had already exceeded their own expectations this year.
”Our objectives for 2003 have been achieved and in some cases exceeded.
”For next season, we are looking to take a further step forward, and believe these are the drivers who will enable us to do that.” — Sapa-AFP