Renault to ‘reassess objectives’ after tough F1 return

Renault Sport Racing managing director Cyril Abiteboul admits the French manufacturer needs to review his short and mid-term goals after experiencing a tough return as a works Formula One team.

Renault currently sits ninth in the Constructors’ championship with only six points to its name, courtesy of Kevin Magnussen’s seventh-place finish in Russia.

However, the Dane and rookie team-mate Jolyon Palmer have generally struggled to feature in the top 10 and are coming off a challenging trio of grands prix in Monaco, Montreal, and Baku.

“The last three races have been harder than expected, possibly more difficult than we anticipated at the start of the year,” Abiteboul said. “However nothing changes our long-term objectives; we just need to re-assess how we get to them in the short and mid-term.

“We have already introduced our power unit upgrade and we know that this is one of the strongest parts of the car at present. We have also taken some steps in mechanical grip and balance and both drivers are happier with the car behaviour.”

Renault came back to F1 with modest ambitions, with senior management quick to lower expectations in the wake of the tardy takeover of Lotus last winter.

Despite the team's poor first half to the season, Abiteboul remains confident it can use the second part of the campaign to meet the goals it set out for 2016.

“With our strengths identified, it is much easier to work on our weaknesses. In particular we need to target improvements in qualifying and aero, and we have a plan for both of these areas .

“Every race is an opportunity to learn more and to keep taking those steps to be where we want to be by the end of the season.”

Technical analysis - Baku

Scene at the Grand Prix of Europe

Grand Prix of Europe - Driver ratings

Breakfast with ... Derek Daly

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