Renault aims to 'take back fourth' with R.S.20 launch

Renault has launched its new challenger for the 2020 season, and pledged to do whatever it takes to 'take back fourth' in the team standings after losing out last year to McLaren.

"Taking back fourth position in the constructors championship remains the objective over a season that will be more hotly-contested than ever," stated team principal Cyril Abiteboul on Wednesday.

"We also need to regain confidence and reinforce team spirit to get the best from everyone, and to maximise our chances each race weekend during this unprecedented long and challenging season."

He was speaking at the official launch of the R.S.20 which was held at Groupe Renault’s flagship store, L’Atelier Renault, on the Champs-Elysees in Paris where he was joined by Alain Prost, Marcin Budkowski and Rémi Taffin.

• Video: Renault boys continue to ramp up preparations

The team's new chassis technical director Pat Fry was present for the first time after taking over the role from the departed Nick Chester. Also in attendance were the rising stars of the 2020 Renault Sport Academy announced in January.

F1 drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon were presented publicly in team colours for the first time. However the car itself was still in stealth mode, and was only shown in glimpses on screen decked out in its all-black pre-season testing livery.

The car and its 2020 livery won't be fully revealed until next week, when it rolls out in the flesh for the first day of pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on February 19.

“I’m looking forward to blending into the team better on the back of having a full season behind us, so things are going to be easier in that sense," said Ricciardo ahead of his second season with the squad.

"I learnt a lot about myself and obviously a lot about the team. One of the most important learnings for me was that it’s not just about having the smartest guy in the Formula 1 paddock, you need every individual across the team getting the most out of themselves.

"With the people I work closest with it’s about trying to find a way they work best, trying to help them be their best selves, and then also figuring out where I can perform the best on the day.

"I’ve enjoyed this experience so far and building something with Renault.”

This year, Ricciardo will be partnered with former Manor and Force India driver Esteban Ocon. The 23-year-old replaces Nico Hulkenberg in the line-up.

"It’s very exciting and I can’t wait to test the new car in Barcelona," said Ocon, who already has 50 Grand Prix starts under his belt.

"We’ve had a lot of time to prepare, and I’m feeling ready for the challenge. I’m really looking forward to racing again – back where I want to be – after waiting for a year.

"There are a lot of new items on this year’s car and the guys have been working hard to find some additional performance.

"It’s all about details in Formula 1 and I’ve seen quite a lot of details on the Renault R.S.20. It’s exciting to see the design but the next thing you want is to be behind the wheel and feeling what it’s like.”

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