Renault boosted for Monaco by 'best of the rest' status

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Renault took command in Spain of Formula 1's combative mid-field and aims to remain at the helm in Monaco next week says team boss Cyril Abiteboul.

While Nico Hulkenberg was collateral damage in Barcelona, finding himself in the wrong place at the wrong time thanks to a reckless move by Romain Grosjean, team mate Carlos Sainz brought the team the points that powered it onto fourth in the Constructor's standings.

The French squad intends on leveraging its position, and its improving form, around the streets of Monte Carlo.

Formula 1's problem? No clear message to the fans, says Abiteboul

"One positive after the Spanish Grand Prix is moving into fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship," said Abiteboul in the team's Monaco Grand Prix preview.

"It is the first time we’ve been in this position since our Formula 1 return and, while it’s very early in the season, it shows we are getting stronger, which gives us motivation for the rest of the season.

"Overall Spain was a challenging weekend and we did a good job of recovering from a difficult Friday to a positive points haul on Sunday, courtesy of Carlos’ seventh place.

"We have some learnings to take away, such as starting the whole event stronger, and making sure reliability is absolutely impeccable – we can’t afford to lose any points in the close fight in the championship."

Anything goes on the treacherous streets of Monaco where racing is often as unpredictable as a game of craps at the Principality's casino.

Abiteboul feels Renault may have a few loaded dice it can use next weekend, supplied by its talented duo of drivers.

"Now we head to Monaco, one of the busiest weekends of the season," says the Frenchman.

"From a racing point of view, we know what to expect.

"Monaco is very much a drivers’ circuit and the speed combined with the excellent working relationship between our driver pairing and the engineering department is definitely a strong asset in this regard.

"Naturally we will be targeting double points at every race from now on."

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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.