F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Renault admits R.S.19 'weak points' need to be addressed

Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul says the French outfit has recognized the "weak points" of its R.S.19 which will need to be addressed for the team to make progress.

The early part of Renault's season was undermined by engine reliability issues but solving that deficiency still hasn't allowed the squad to perform at the level it ambitions to achieve.

After a double-points finish at Silverstone, Renault currently sits fifth in the Constructors' standings, outpaced by customer team McLaren by 21 points as F1's best mid-field squad.

"We can be reasonably satisfied to have put both cars into the points in Silverstone after yet another difficult Austrian Grand Prix, an event that has not suited us year on year," Abiteboul said ahead of next weekend's trip to Hockenheim.

"We showed some good form throughout the weekend in Britain, with Daniel and Nico in Q3 and ultimately an unpredictable race in which we could have and should have scored even more points.

"On the whole, we showed our potential at a track which has, under recent regulations, become a real temple for engine power.

"However, we recognise there are still areas where we need to improve and we are concentrating on these weaker points."

©Renault

While the team is focused on developing and advancing its R.S.19, Abiteboul sees no specific drawbacks associated with the upcoming German and Hungarian double-header apart from possible high temperatures.

"Hockenheim and the Hungaroring should suit our package better although the extreme temperatures we expect to encounter may present challenges for the engine or tyres - a little like in Austria - we will do our best to achieve the best results possible," added the Renault boss.

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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.

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