2008 Formula One Preview: Renault

In the next few days, we are going to start a eight part series looking into the up coming Formula One season. These part will look deeper into the Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, BMW Sauber, Williams, Toyota, Honda and then the rest of the Formula One teams.

Today we are going to look at Renault.

Going into the 2008 season, the best question to ask is how much did Renault miss Fernando Alonso?

After moving to McLaren last year, has the Renault team lost a step by not having their star champion? If early testing is any indication, the answer is yes.

The worse thing to happen to Renault was for Alonso to leave the team. Subsequently, the worse thing to happen to Alonso was for him to leave Renault.

But can Renault recapture the magic of the 2005 and 2006 seasons? Right now the answer is no. The departure of Alonso, even if it was only for one year, has set the team back by a few years. This has also set Alonso back a few years as well.

But Alonso also understands this as well. In a recent interview with Autosport Magazine, Alonso stated that he felt that a podium finish this year was not in the cards.

Therefore, if a podium isn't in the cards, then their chances of making any sort of impact this year is minimal.

But there is one reason the watch the Renault team this year, and it isn't because of Fernando Alonso, but Nelson Piquet Jr. Will this young prodigy show the driving talent (and hopefully not the PR talent) of his father? We will see, but it will be hard to tell in poor handling 2008 Renault.

What to expect? Not much. Hopefully Alonso can help the team out, as they really need to help each other right now. Also, has Flavio found the next Lewis Hamilton in Nelson Piquet? Can Flavio bring success back to this team?

Still, I really can't see a two-time Formula One champion not on the podium? Can you?

Don't expect them to start off great, but don't be surprised if they finish the season stronger as well.