By Sarah Holt BBC Sport in Amsterdam

Kovalainen and Fisichella are hopeful of success in the new car

Under the spell of spotlights and epic music in Amsterdam, Renault lifted the curtain on the new-look R27 car and team charged with the task of defending their double world titles in 2007.

But despite the fanfare, it was impossible for Renault to draw attention away from the absence of the X-factor that had driven that success - Fernando Alonso.

In all six media conferences, Alonso, and the repercussions of his defection to McLaren, was the hot topic.

The usually unflappable Renault team boss Flavio Briatore complained: "Everyone is saying 'Fernando, Fernando, Fernando'."

Of course they were, because what everyone really wants to know is can Renault survive without Alonso, his speed, determined driving and fighting spirit?

When Michael Schumacher left Briatore's Benetton team for Ferrari in 1996 after winning two drivers' titles the team went into freefall. A decade later and Briatore is adamant Alonso's departure will not break Renault.

"Fernando is an asset that we lost," said Briatore. "But it is not one man who makes a difference."

My hope for Heikki is that he wins a race this season Renault team boss Flavio Briatore

Even if it was, the Italian believes he has already found a ready-made replacement for Alonso in 25-year-old rookie Heikki Kovalainen.

The Finn joined Renault four years ago on the driver development programme and, as he did Alonso, Briatore has taken Kovalainen under his wing.

"After Fernando, the guy I wanted to have was Heikki," Briatore said.

"I believe he was ready to race in 2002. We didn't know with Fernando and now we don't know what Heikki can do.

"I believe he is very good and have a lot of confidence in him. My hope for Heikki is that he wins a race this season and why shouldn't he?"

As encouraging as Briatore is about Kovalainen, the Italian is realistically looking to Giancarlo Fisichella to lead Renault's title defence in the absence of Alonso.

At 34, time is running out for Fisichella to claim a maiden title and, despite his obvious speed, there are lingering doubts over the Italian's ability to be consistent throughout the season.

But Briatore insists: "I believe he learned from Alonso and I know he has the talent to win."

Briatore is confident of his drivers making a big impact

The new season does present Fisichella with a real opportunity to emerge from under Alonso's shadow even stronger.

And the Italian, who Briatore described as "upset" by some of his performances last season, believes he can handle the extra pressure.

"Fernando left the team but there are two more drivers now - it's not a responsibility for me," said Fisichella, who enjoyed his best season in 2006, claiming victory in Malaysia and finishing fourth in the standings.

"There's no leader or number one in the team though spiritually I feel like the number one because I've been here three years.

"We want to win even without Fernando. I don't know if I will be the next champion but that is my target and my dream."

In Fisichella and Kovalainen, Renault have two drivers they clearly trust but the fact remains that it was Alonso who ended the team's quest for a first constructors' crown in 2005 - and it was he, who defended it tooth and nail the following season.

Renault will be anxious to find out if they still have a world championship car even without their world champion.

Technical director Bob Bell is bullish about the R27, clad in the new colours of orange and yellow. "I'm absolutely confident the R27 is better than its predecessors," said Bell.

Now it is time for a new challenge Flavio Briatore

"It's clear from everything on the track it is about what we expect in terms of performances.

"We still have a lot to learn about the switch to Bridgestone tyres but the differences are manageable.

"Fernando wasn't a world champion when we won in 2005 and I believe in Fisichella and Kovalainen we have two drivers capable of winning the championships."

Alonso may not have been a world champion when he revolutionised Renault's fortunes in 2005 but his winning potential was clear when he was given his first drive for the team two years earlier, winning the Hungarian Grand Prix and finishing sixth in the standings.

Now Kovalainen is unproven and Fisichella remains a question mark.

Alonso's departure may be the end of an era for Renault but Briatore hopes it is the start of another new beginning.