Renault top brass setting a high bar for 2017

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Following its return to F1 as a works effort, Renault is now slowly but surely ramping up its ambitions in season 2 of its five-year plan to return to glory.

Renault Sport president Jerome Stoll and managing director Cyril Abiteboul spoke in unison about the team's targets this year.

"The objective is very simple, since we have for the first time a car that has been developed by us, we expect to be fifth in the championship," said Stoll.

“We have the team, the drivers, the partners and an organisation that is now managed under the leadership of Cyril, and Bob Bell [chief technical officer], so frankly I would say that we are hungry for the podium and hungry for success now.

“I think that 2017 will be absolutely a great year, an exciting year and a crucial year – you will see what has been done by the team at Enstone and team at Viry, this is a product that you are impatient to see."

Hulkenberg: Podium target ambitious but achievable

Renault has strengthened its staff accordingly in the past year and will now hopefully start to capaitalize on its solid foundation.

"The pressure was on when Renault decided to come back to F1 in 2016," he said.

"The team is now in perfect harmony and perfect communication. It is one group of people working together to deliver one objective.

"We are the fastest growing F1 team, we have increased by 25 per cent the headcount, some targeted recruitment.

"It is investment also, we have been investing to catch up – I think we lead on this. Looking at the regulations, we have the best of what the technology can offer."

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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.