Canada all about bouncing back for Renault - Abiteboul

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Renault aims to put itself back on the points scoring track in next week's Canadian Grand Prix after the team's testing weekend in Monte-Carlo.

Renault experienced reliability issues on mechanical components that were on the last race of their cycle, with Nico Hulkenberg a victim in last Sunday's race of a gearbox failure.

Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul will be looking to point everything back in the right direction at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve next week.

"Monaco highlighted the areas we need to improve and further confirmed elements we knew about," says Abiteboul.

"And with the new components, we are now ready to attack the next race with the same perseverance and attitude."

"Canada is all about bouncing back and making a fresh start. We now have a more robust engine and gearbox and we can fully focus on maximising performance.

"The team in Enstone are heading to the race with an aerodynamic package adapted to the Montréal circuit. However due to the challenges of the track, we certainly don’t expect an easy race."

Hulkenberg goes back in time to sample some classic Renault chargers

Renault tech boss Bob Bell underlines the contrast between Monaco and Montreal, but also insists the Canadian venue is no less forgiving in terms of driver error.

"Montreal is more demanding than Monaco regarding engine performance," says Bell.

"It has longer straights, twisty bits with low speed corners but a bit more opportunity for the car to exercise its legs.

"Montreal is similar to Monaco in terms of demands on the driver to not make any minor errors as you can pay a heavy price.

"That is always a feature of Montréal, it puts a lot of energy on the brakes and tyres, lots of acceleration and braking which works the car hard.

"We will go with the softest three compounds, the softer of those compounds will be most favourable."

Abiteboul continues to see Renault building momentum as it aims to fulfill its targets.

"The effort going in across both bases in England and Viry is driving us forward and it is vital that we maintain this hard work, as we set our sights on being at least sixth place in the Constructors’ standings before the summer break.

"That should enable us to defend our position and reset our targets towards finishing the second-half of the season in fifth."

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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.