25/05/2006
NEWS STORY
It was to be expected that with the British Grand Prix just a couple of weeks away, much of the (British) media would make full use of Damon Hill's claim that Jenson Button could "definitely make it on to the podium at Silverstone" and "even get his first win".
However, let's not forget that Damon's comments were made at an event promoting the British race, which still has several thousand tickets available, in the wake of the new calendar slot - the result of the World Cup - and the fact that there is no serious British contender of the championship fight, which is fast becoming a two-horse race.
The fact that the media has latched on to this story was inevitable, that was the organizer's intention.
However, another story that has been doing the rounds in recent days cannot be allowed to pass without comment, we refer to claims that Ferrari is lining up a swoop for Renault's Pat Symonds.
A major part of the Renault success story, and make no mistake Pat is a major part, is the team's continuity. Although the French outfit might not appear to have the same 'family spirit' as Jordan, the fact is that many team members have been part of the team for as long as they can remember, going back to the Toleman days.
Renault is on a high, and despite having to accept the fact that it is losing its golden boy (Alonso) to McLaren - a move which under the circumstances ought to have the Spaniard consulting Jenson Button's management and contract negotiation teams - appears to be heading towards its second World Championship 'double'.
Looking ahead to 2007 the team is looking exceedingly strong, even if its line-up has yet to be confirmed, and Pat Symonds will remain part of that team, after all, he helped shape it.
On the subject of Renault, it has been suggested elsewhere that the French team will face difficulty finding a title sponsor for 2007, and might have to rely on a number of smaller sponsors.
That is not what Pitpass is hearing.
Furthermore, potential sponsors do not have to concern themselves with the team's blue and yellow colours. Blue is the colour of (sponsor) Mild Seven, the tobacco company which ends its association with Renault at the end of the 2006 season. The French team's colour is yellow. However, like all F1 teams, even Ferrari, it is willing to adapt... if enough money is laid on the table.