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.

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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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