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Red Bull and Ferrari are our rivals - Boullier

ESPNF1 Staff
March 14, 2011 « Barrichello impressed with Lotus progress | »
Nick Heidfeld will lead Renault in 2011 in the absence of Robert Kubica © Getty Images
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Renault boss Eric Boullier has said the team will be racing Red Bull and Ferrari this season.

Renault's new R31 has drawn many admiring glances for its innovative front exhaust design as they look to improve on last season's fifth place in the constructors' championship, and Boullier believes the risk has paid off.

"We spent a lot of time thinking about it and discussing it, as it was a risk," Boullier told El Pais. "But in the end we said 'Why not?' It's too early to say if we can win races, it will be hard to be there with Red Bull and Ferrari. But they will be our main rivals."

With Mercedes making a step forward with its upgraded car at the final Barcelona test, and McLaren yet to get the best out if its new MP4-26, Boullier said that Renault were already quicker than both teams, but the challenge would be to stay there.

"I very much respect Ross Brawn, Mercedes and McLaren and I know they have greater resources," he said. "If we can stay ahead of them it will be a great success for us."

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