Points in Russia a good first step for Renault - Vasseur

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Renault returned as a works team to the championship score board in Russia, a result which marks a good first step according to team boss Frederic Vasseur.

The French manufacturer has struggled since the season kicked off in Melbourne, mainly as a result of its late decision to return to Grand Prix racing which impacted the design and development of its RS16 contender.

But a spirited drive in Sochi by Kevin Magnussen coupled with a well executed tyre strategy, put the Dane and Renault thoroughly in the points in seventh place. It was a small milestone, but one which the Renault boss says is useful.

"It's important for the teams in Viry-Chatillon and Enstone because they have worked a lot over the last month," said Vasseur.

"It is one step; it's always good to have the question 'when will you score your first points' behind you.

"Kevin had a strong race from the beginning, and was always able to push when he needed to keep Grosjean out of the DRS zone. He did a very good job."

Beyond a positive management of circumstances on Sunday, Vasseur also pointed towards an undeniable progress achieved by Renault on the tyre exploitation front .

"We missed the consistency between soft and super-soft, or medium and soft, and so the results were poor, but we had always a good stint in the race.

"Sunday was the first time that we were able to do two good stints in a row with two different compounds and I think it's a good step.

"We probably have to work a lot on the tyre understanding - we are a bit inconsistent until this point - it's probably a key point."

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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.