As frustrating as it was for Nico Hulkenberg to finish just outside the points in Melbourne, the German heads to China convinced a spot in the top ten is in the cards.
While it's still early days at Renault, with the team's upgrade cycle set to begin in earnest in Bahrain, Hulkenberg's RS17 provided a glimpse of its pace and potential, both of which have boosted Hulk's frame of mind.
"I’m going to be pushing all the way for points," he said in Renault's China preview.
"Australia was slightly frustrating as we could have done better with the pace we had in the car but traffic was an issue for most of the race. Our tyre strategy didn’t help us either.
"It looks like we’re in the midfield with some of our rivals slightly ahead, but certainly in reach, and Shanghai is a very different track from Albert Park, so let’s see what happens."
Hulkenberg has been impressed with the magnitude and scale of Renault's works operation. The German has settled in nicely in an environment in which he hopes to remain for the long term.
"I feel totally at home and I know we can deliver good things together," he added.
"It’s clearly a big operation at the start of a long adventure and it’s great to be part of this. Everyone’s working hard together and I know we can achieve great things in the future."
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