It is the fact that Renault won both 2005 titles on a budget considerably less than several of its rivals, that made the French team's achievement all the more remarkable.

Unlike some, the French manufacturer is loath to 'flash the cash'.

However, speaking in the wake of the news that his team has committed to Formula One until 2012, team president Alain Dassas admitted that he is willing to spend in order to have the strongest possible line-up in 2007.

"Flavio will make proposals and selections but we are ready as Renault to do what is necessary to have a good driver," the Frenchman told reporters. "We are committed for a long period of time, and we have stated clearly that next year we want to have a driver who is able to give a top performance."

It is widely thought that one of the main reasons for Fernando Alonso's decision to move to McLaren (for 2007) was the uncertainty over the French manufacturer's commitment to Formula One. Despite President and CEO Carlos Ghosn's comments at the launch of the R26, that the company would remain in F1 for as long as it remains competitive and able to perform at the highest level, the whispering has continued. Today's announcement, regarding the commitment until 2012 should finally silence the doubters.

"I was not there half a year ago," said Dassas, "but I guess Alonso left the team for several reasons."

Many are of the opinion that test driver Heikki Kovalainen is in line for a call-up in 2007, while there is doubt over Giancarlo Fisichella's future, especially in light of some of his performances this year.

"It is true that we like to grow our own talent from within," admitted Dassas. "It's also true that we are there to have top performances and we need a top driver to do that.

"Alonso is not replaced easily, so we need a top driver," he continued. "We need both. We need a young talent and a top driver.

"Giancarlo is a top driver. Michael Schumacher is a top driver," he added, a comment which will surely add to the speculation.

In the past week there has been talk of Kimi Raikkonen joining the French outfit, however it is because of Renault's reputation for watching the purse-strings that many dismissed the story.

The fact is, that Renault is the dominant team in F1 at present, and that alone should be enough to tempt most drivers. The offer of a decent pay packet should have them falling over themselves to sign up.