Frédéric Vasseur insists the returning Renault works outfit does not have to secure strong results right now, and adds it is heading to Melbourne in “relatively good shape”.
For the first time since 2010, Renault will compete in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix as a fully-fledged F1 team, having taken over the struggling Lotus squad over the winter to come back as a constructor.
Although ambitions are high, the French manufacturer remains aware of the challenge at hand, with new racing director Vasseur quick to downplay early expectations.
“We know very well that we started this project extremely late and that where we need to go is ambitious, but right now we are not under pressure to achieve results”, he said. “The road map from [Renault CEO] Carlos Ghosn is very clear: he wants to fight for podiums in our third year of competition. Therefore we have to make the right moves, and not rush to deliver in Melbourne.
“If you want to stick to the road map and fight for podiums in three years, you have to look at your competitors…look at their resources, personnel and then you need to have the same targets to fight with them consistently. I am very happy with the quality of the staff so far as the team is dedicated and focussed on the job. Now we have to supplement the workforce we have, but we will do it correctly and find the right people.”
Renault suffered a series of technical issues in pre-season testing – which mostly affected rookie driver Jolyon Palmer –, but the team was able to recover and secure valuable mileage ahead of this weekend’s opening race. Vasseur is confident the foundations are solid, with Kevin Magnussen even looking to score points Down Under.
“Testing was positive,” the Renault racing director added. “The car’s baseline is consistent, the balance is good and the drivers’ feedback is positive and optimistic. So the first impressions are good at this point.
“Although we have a lot of work to do, everything is in progress. We have to prioritise where the most gains can be found, but we head to Melbourne in relatively good shape.”
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