Renault looking to regroup and pick itself up for Austria

40

Renault has written off its disastrous weekend in Azerbaijan and heads to Austria hoping to put itself back on track as a points-scoring contender.

Both Renault drivers had a miserable time around Baku, with Nico Hulkenberg the victim of a slight misjudgement in a race in which he was positioned nicely for, while Jolyon Palmer missed qualifying altogether and retired on Sunday after just seven laps.

Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abireboul looks ahead to next week's event at the Red Bull Ring.

"The Austrian Grand Prix comes at a critical point of our season and it’s important that we go there in determined fashion," says the Frenchman.

"We need to be resolute to put aside the disappointment of Baku, be in a position to strive for a points haul in Spielberg and eager to meet our targets for the season by getting back on the right track.

"For Renault there is frustration since Montréal. We feel the car is much more competitive and that was experienced right from the start of the weekend in Baku.

"Unfortunately this didn’t translate into points."

Renault's Taffin: more power and reliability in store

"Looking to Austria, we are confident. We will start to see further improvements on the car and we aim to make a fresh and positive turnaround in Spielberg.

"We are fully committed to ensuring we get to the right milestones and to catch-up on lost points from Baku."

Abiteboul insisted that the Baku disappointment has taken nothing away from Renault's overall aspirations this year and its ambition to end the season fifth in the Constructors pecking order.

"Our season goals are unchanged. We want to be sixth by the mid-season break and fifth come Abu Dhabi in November," Abiteboul added.

"Therefore, it is vital we pick ourselves up and push on for some points in Austria from both cars.

"It is about regrouping, working hard together, concentrating, putting our issues behind and ensuring we stay positive both in the build-up and during the race weekend."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.