Renault team galvanized by fresh energy - Palmer

Regardless of where his team will perform next weekend in Australia, Jolyon Palmer believes there is no shortage of energy and motivation at Renault.

When the French manufacturer took over the defunct Lotus outfit, it instilled a fresh impetus which has worked its way to all the team's levels and departments, including its drivers.

"The Lotus team were really good fun and they had a great racing spirit," Palmer explained at Renault's new livery launch.

"But with Renault coming in there is such a fresh energy about everyone in the team. You can tell that suddenly spirits are up, everyone's really motivated."

"We've also got some great energy with Kevin coming in as well, and the two of us are keen to make our mark."

Palmer was also quick to praise the new yellow livery of his Renault RS16, and the historic link with the past the color renders.

"It's back to Renault colors, and the matt finish is nice as well. I'm really excited, and it'll stand out more than the black livery we were running in testing.

"I feel there's a great energy with the team, everything we did was really positive, and hopefully this will reflect well with the performance of the car in a few races time because everyone is working flat out and enjoying as well.

2016 F1 season: Chris Medland's team-by-team preview

TECHNICAL: A closer look at the Manor MRT05

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

8 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

9 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

10 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

12 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

13 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

14 hours ago