Renault presents the R28.

(click on images to enlarge.)

Yesterday at the Renault headquarters in Paris, France, the ING Renault F1 team presented the R28 in front of 600 guests.

The objective of Renault for 2008 is clear: To win races and score podiums. A noble objective but maybe a little optimistic. Even with McLaren's disqualification, Renault only finished third among the constructors last year. In order to win races and score podiums, the Renault cars will have to step in front of McLaren, Ferrari and BMW-Sauber. Not an easy task.

As for the car itself, there are only a few aerodynamic evolutions to the car in comparison to their 2007 race car. The team will keep the same colors, a dominant yellow and orange on a white base.

As for the pilots, we note the return of Fernando Alonso with the team after two seasons spent with McLaren. Nelson Piquet Jr will participate to his first full season on the F1 circuit after a full year as the third pilot of the team. Romain Grosjean is the new third pilot for the team.

Flovio Briattore's objectives might be a little optimistic. Yes, Fernando Alonso, the double world champion is back within the team but without any serious evolutions on the car it becomes virtually impossible for the team to finish in front of the McLarens, the Ferraris or even the BMWs on a regular basis.

With four teams claiming for wins and podium finishes in 2008, we are about to experience an exciting season. There will be some deceptions for a couple of teams and Renault could end up underachieving.

(Pictures: The R28, ING Renault F1 team.)