Points in Russia a good first step for Renault - Vasseur

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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