McLaren's Boullier isn't expecting reliability issues with Renault

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McLaren racing director Eric Boullier is confident new engine partner Renault has overcome its reliability woes from last season.

On the verge of a new dawn with the French manufacturer after three painful years of dismal results with Honda, McLaren is boosted and raring to go.

Renault faced the ire of partner Red Bull several times last season following a series of power unit failures mainly linked to its complex MGU-H hybrid component.

Boullier however believes that Renault has tightened the screws and bolts over the winter.

McLaren achieves crucial step forward on engine changeover

"Renault has taken the necessary measures and made great efforts to make progress in this area," the Frenchman told French weekly Auto-Hebdo.

To uphold its own end of the bargain, McLaren has also put in an extra effort at Woking over the winter.

"The employees voluntarily worked throughout the holidays," added Boullier.

"Everyone has taken the news about the transition to Renault very positively, and we are working perfectly with our new supplier already.

Boullier denied McLaren's new venture is coming with massive pressure to succeed given the many times the team has boasted about the quality of its MCL32 chassis.

"We do not feel additional pressure," he insisted.

"On the contrary. The team is motivated by the fact that we will have two strong rivals in Red Bull and Renault.

"McLaren is in Formula 1 to perform, not for the numbers," he added.

McLaren will pull of the warps on its new car on February 22, a week before pre-season testing kicks off in Barcelona.

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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.