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Formula 1

Renault team principal Bob Bell believes Robert Kubica's desire to succeed will drive on a team that has struggled of late.

Renault confirmed last Wednesday Kubica would replace the departing Fernando Alonso for next season after spending the last three and a half years with BMW Sauber.

The Anglo-French marque are in desperate need of fresh impetus in the wake of what has been a torrid season, on and off the track.

In luring one of the most talented drivers on the grid to the team, Bell feels Renault have at least set off on the right foot towards a hopefully more rewarding 2010.

"First and foremost he's a very quick and consistent driver who has clearly demonstrated his ability," said Bell of the Pole who was a title contender last season.

"He's also a fighter who never gives up, which is a characteristic that fits well with our approach at Renault.

"Looking to the future, he is definitely somebody who is going to push the team and his hunger for success and leadership qualities on the racetrack will help motivate the team.

"Finally, on a personal level he is a genuinely nice guy who I believe will work well with our engineers and have a good relationship with the team."

It is a degree of fight Bell wants to see from Renault over the final two races in Brazil this weekend and Abu Dhabi on November 1.

The team have taken just 26 points this season - all of which have been scored by Alonso - to leave them squabbling over the minor placings in the constructors' standings.

Yet there is significant prize money at stake, which is why Bell is looking for his team to close the 8.5-point gap to sixth-placed Williams and hold off BMW Sauber two points behind them.

"We go to every race determined to win, at the very least aiming to finish on the podium, and we're not going to alter our fundamental approach by being defensive to try and protect our position," added Bell.

"The only way we can come out on top relative to both those teams is to take an aggressive approach and try to maximise our finishing positions."

Even though part of Alonso may be thinking about next year's move to Ferrari, the Spaniard is determined to end his days with Renault on a high.

"Although we didn't get the maximum from the race in Japan, the mood in the team is still very positive," said Alonso, who trailed home 10th at Suzuka.

"We know the car is quick, but we were just unlucky in qualifying, which was a shame as I think I could have scored some points if I had started the race in a better position.

"We know we have a very tough battle in the championship against Williams and BMW, and so any points I can score in the final two races will be very important."