F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Palmer notes big chassis improvement at Renault

Jolyon Palmer worked hard last week in Barcelona, accumulating 155 laps behind the wheel of a greatly improved RS17 chassis.

The Brit noticed a big step up in the handling of Renault's 2017 challenger built to the new regulations, compared to last year's car with which he did his maiden F1 season.

"Ride quality is where we were weak last year," Palmer explained.

"We've made a big step this year, we've got much better tools to deal with that now.

"It's something we learnt from last year, and we learnt the hard way. Clearly, we've made good progress, and even just the balance of the car is very consistent, it's very driveable.

"Every time I get in it, I know what to expect. It's a good feeling at the moment."

Slowly but surely, Renault appears to be ramping up its performance as its progresses on the path to restoring its former glory.

"Last year, we knew it was going to be tough," added Palmer.

"This year, we're excited about the prospect of having a car we've designed properly around the engine. We've had a good amount of time as well, because last year we were so compromised.

"There's been some restructure over the winter," as he refered to the departure of former team boss Fred Vasseur.

"I think everyone in the team really knows their role, we're very happy with how everyone's performing. The structure's working well at the moment and we're excited."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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