The Renault F1 team's new 2020 contender - the R.S.20 - made its public debut on the opening day of pre-season testing in Barcelona.

Renault's new car took to the track at the crack of 9AM in the hands of Esteban Ocon, sporting an all-black stealth livery.

However, the French squad said its 2020 charger will be draped in yellow and black next month in Melbourne at the opening round of the F1 world championship.

A superficial glance at the new car reveals a very slim front nose, the tightest of all the 2020 designs, and equally slender bodywork.

Renault has continued to invest in its team and resources in the past year as it aims to catch up with its ambitions of bridging the performance gap with the sport's top-3 teams.

After relinquishing last year its position at the top of F1's midfield to McLaren, its engine customer team, Renault will need to recapture that spot or conquer a podium or two to maintain its hopes of eventually fighting for race wins down the road. And to keep its star driver, Daniel Ricciardo.

Esteban Ocon (FRA) Renault F1 Team RS20. 19.02.2020. Formula One Testing, Day One, Barcelona, Spain. Wednesday. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Images
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Renault F1 Team RS20. 19.02.2020. Formula One Testing, Day One, Barcelona, Spain. Wednesday. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Images
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Renault F1 Team RS20. 19.02.2020. Formula One Testing, Day One, Barcelona, Spain. Wednesday. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore
#31 - Esteban Ocon (FRA) Renault F1 Team RS20. 19.02.2020. Formula One Testing, Day One, Barcelona, Spain. Wednesday. - www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore

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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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