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Renault initiates next phase of development push in Baku

Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul says the French manufacturer will begin the next phase of development of its R.S.18 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix next weekend.

Renault's performance since the season kicked off in Melbourne reflects the Enstone outfit's step forward, and Abiteboul now sees his team as the fourth best contender on the grid, or the best team behind the dominant Mercedes-Ferrari-Red Bull trio.

“We had the same result in China as Bahrain just one week before, but the feeling after Shanghai was almost entirely positive rather than lucky,” says the French manager as he oreviews next weekends' event.

“In a straight fight against our competitors, we confirmed that we currently have the fourth best engine-chassis-driver combination on the grid.

“This is what we must carry forward and target at every race and the priorities are clear for both sides of Renault Sport Formula One Team at Enstone and Viry.”

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Like its rivals, Renault plans on implementing regular upgrades over the course of the entire season, a necessary policy to remain on the move and on a par with the field.

A development push will come as soon as next weekend, with various aero updates, but Renault's power unit will also evolve in the coming weeks.

“Baku will mark the start of the next phase of our season push,” confirms Abiteboul.

“We will debut some new chassis upgrades, specifically on the wings and bargeboards, which will be followed on the engine side in Barcelona.

“We are confident that the combination of these developments can allow us to maintain our performance. We need to remain focussed on making every single element work.”

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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.