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Abiteboul: 'We know where Red Bull want to be'

Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul isn't willing to project where Red Bull will be in the pecking order next season, but is fully aware of the Milton Keynes outfit's ambitions.

Red Bull have stated that should Renault's engine close within 3 percent of Mercedes' power unit, then it should be in a position to challenge the Silver Arrows for the title in 2017.

"I don't know how Red Bull is capable of projecting themselves next year," Abiteboul told Motorsport.com.

"When I look how fast or how quickly the car is changing in our wind tunnel, I am sure it is the same for all teams. So it is very difficult to think what will be the pecking order."

The French manufacturer has opted for a radical concept in its approach to next year's power unit and while Renault has warned its teams not to expect a dramatic boost of performance at the outset, it's confident its development programme should deliver the goods.

"It is a very exciting time for everybody in F1. Clearly this season if they had been within 3 percent that for sure maybe would have been better, but I am not sure that would have been enough to fight for the championship. We know where they want to be.

"We are committed to having the best engine in the grid. Not just within 1 percent but to have the best. And as I said, we think we have a number of idea of technological concepts that can allow us to be better than Mercedes in the future."

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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.