Mar.14 (GMM) Renault is hoping to chase the heels of the pacesetting Red Bull and Ferrari teams with its own 2011 car.

Boss Eric Boullier told Spain's El Pais newspaper that the Enstone based designers "made a commitment to innovation" when devising the R31 car.

Indeed, observers and rivals have lauded the car's innovative front exhaust layout.

"We spent a lot of time thinking about it and discussing it, as it was a risk. But in the end we said 'Why not?'" revealed Frenchman Boullier.

Losing lead driver Robert Kubica to injury was a major blow to Renault's 2011 campaign, but Boullier said the team is hopeful of a very good season.

"It's too early to say if we can win races," he insisted. "It will be hard to be there with Red Bull and Ferrari. But they will be our main rivals.

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

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