Renault targets pre-season testing mileage and reliability

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Renault heads in to the new year with two important resolutions, the first of which will hopefully be achieved following the implementation of the second.

As an engine manufacturer, Renault achieved three race wins this season with Red Bull but a series of power unit failures also revived tensions with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

With McLaren inheriting Toso Rosso's engine supply, Renault has made reliability a priority from the outset in 2018.

"Reliability will come first," said Renault Sport's F1's Cyril Abiteboul.

"We've seen this season that you need to walk before you can run.

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"I think we were too aggressive on many occasions in the way that we tried to provide extra performance too quickly due to expectations," he added.

"I think we have to go step by step, first by being reliable and accumulating as many kilometres as possible during the winter tests, which is I think important for any plan you may have for the chassis.

"I think if we have reliability, I am extremely comfortable and confident that we can beat Mercedes."

Indeed, pre-season testing and as much mileage as possible will serve to validate the team's winter work and ensure its progress, both for the benefit of its two high-profile customers as for that of its own works team.

"We want to be right up there in terms of mileage. We have not defined the target next year in terms of the championship, but actually the first target we have set ourselves is to be top three in terms of mileage for the winter tests.

"That is the top way we want to approach it. Because once you have that, you work backwards."

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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.