Work needed in all areas at Renault - Palmer

©WRI2

40

Jolyon Palmer believes Renault must improve on all fronts if it is to progress up the field in the second part of the season.

The French manufacturer, along with its drivers, has endured a difficult campaign year to date, with Kevin Magnussen currently standing as the sole points-scorer at Renault following his 6th place finish in Russia.

Given the performance level achieved by engine customer Red Bull this year, Renault cannot point to its power unit as the main culprit of its weakness. And Palmer believes indeed that the team remains a work in progress with all departments forced to improve.

"We have different people working on everything," says Palmer.

"The engine guys are working on the engine in Viry, the aero guys are working on the aero, the chassis guys are working on the suspension.

"It’s not like we’ve got one group of people working on something, so we’re focusing on everything. Clearly the engine I’m sure still has a lot to be found still, but also you look at us compared to Red Bull and we can find a lot in the car, so everything needs improvement."

Renault is currently ninth in the constructer's championship, 22 points behind Haas which Palmer believes his team can overtake in the latter part of the year.

"I think the ones we need to catch first are Haas. hey’re the ones just making Q2 and we’re just behind them. If we can catch Haas, then that’s Q2, hopefully we’ve got more upgrades than they have for the rest of the year and we can do that.

“Then maybe Toro Rosso are falling away a bit from the group in front, they’ve got the old engine as well, so maybe we have a chance to catch them. The tracks [in the second half of the year] can hopefully suit us a little bit better.

"I’m still improving all the time as a driver, so I hope for some points halfway through the season. I’ve been close and not quite, so I’m hoping for that. And I’m sure we can improve the car so that’s going to be more possible."

REPORT: Raikkonen shows Ferrari pace on second day of test

Scene at the British Grand Prix

Silbermann says ... Radio Ga Ga

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.