22/04/2006
NEWS STORY
There is no doubt that Renault's Executive Director of Engineering, Pat Symonds is one of the most respected men in the pitlane, such is his experience of Formula One, and his reputation for getting things right. He is a key member of the French team, and an asset that many rival teams would dearly like to have on-board. When Symonds talks, people listen.
Therefore, there should be one or two people a little further along the pitlane more than a little worried following an interview the Englishman gave the Daily Telegraph, for he has roundly lambasted the competence of certain parties within the Honda team.
Explaining why he believes Renault is enjoying its current success, he said: "One of the reasons is down to our procedures and discipline."
However...
"Honda have a car-and-driver combination that is very quick in qualifying," he continues, "but not quite so well- conditioned for the race. That is what we saw during the winter. Headline times were good but not quite so impressive on long runs.
"It is an indication of how differing operating procedures come into it," he adds. "Honda have made three incorrect tyre decisions in the opening races. You can have the best car in the world but if you stick the wrong tyres on it, it is not going to win.
"If I had done the same I would probably be looking for another job," he admits. "There is no room for error on any front in F1."
"It is surprising," he continues, "particularly as there is far more co-operation on tyre testing this year, much more visibility of others' test results. I don't know if it shows a certain arrogance or what?
"What surprises me is that Honda have a distinct advantage with a third car. I accept they have had some problems, but the advantage of that third car is enormous. I would trade most of our in-season testing for the ability to run a third car at races."
It was at San Marino last year, that Honda (then BAR) fell foul of the FIA, over the fuel-tank fiasco that was to see the Brackley-based outfit stripped of its Imola points and subsequently banned from the next two events.
There is widespread speculation within the paddock that should Honda fail to achieve a 'decent' result in this year's championship, heads will role, with some saying that Nick Fry could be first in line.
This would no doubt disappoint David Richards, widely thought to have been successful in his bid for the so-called twelfth-spot in the 2008 championship, who would dearly enjoy beating his former employee on track in a couple of year's time.