Renault 27 Launch

Renault unveiled a striking new look to coincide with the start of a new era for the team in Amsterdam on Wednesday - but insisted it did not see 2007 as a transitional year and was fully intent on securing a world title hat-trick.

The all-new livery on its 2007 challenger, the R27, was the standout difference from the motors that took Renault to back-to-back championships, with the orange and white colours of Dutch financial firm ING filling the void left by the light blue of long-time title sponsor Mild Seven.

The new look was completed by Renault’s new race driver Heikki Kovalainen who comes in to partner Giancarlo Fisichella, following Fernando Alonso’s departure to McLaren, with both handed an evolutionary R27 car to drive in the coming campaign.

But that is where the changes stop according to Renault team president Alain Dassas, who says that the team must continue to live up to its status as the benchmark operation in F1.

"Double championship success in 2005 and 2006 has earned Renault its status as a major force in Formula 1," he said.

"Our Formula 1 championship success is a benchmark of excellence that we aim to meet in every area of our operations.

"We must now live up to that reputation.

“The team will present a fresh face to the world with the arrival of ING as our new title partner, and we are proud to welcome this major, global financial institution to Formula 1.

“But on track, our challenge will remain the same: we will be asking our technical teams and drivers to make Renault a championship contender in 2007."

It was a point echoed by managing director Flavio Briatore who was keen to talk up the team’s 2007 driver pairing, insisting that both Fisichella and Kovalainen have the ability to keep Renault at the F1 summit in the coming campaign.

“Losing Fernando we lost something, an asset to the company, but I think Heikki is ready to be a top driver,” he said.

“And I’m sure it will be the year of Fisi.

“Now I am sure he is more relaxed within the team, he has been in the team three years.

“I have invested in Giancarlo and what he needs is a little bit more concentration, is [to make] no mistakes and is [to drive like] Michael [Schumacher] and Fernando.”

While Fisichella himself says he is ready to grasp the mantle of team leader in the post-Alonso era.

“The team has shown its confidence in me for the new season, and I determined to repay that in the best way possible, out on track,” he said.

“The team knows how to design winning cars capable of fighting for the championship.

“That means there is a fantastic opportunity for me this year, and I am determined to make the most of it."