RENAULT LAUNCH R.S.17
The 2017 challenger, the first car which Enstone and Viry have worked together on, was designed from scratch in order to conform to the new regulations.
“It’s a great moment for everyone that’s involved,” said Managing Director Cyril Abiteboul at the launch. “We will know if it’s a fast car in Melbourne but the level or detail show what’s been done and achieved over the past few weeks… the level of integration between the engine and the chassis is just amazing. Thanks again for all the hard work that has been done by the team to get to this fantastic result.”
Fifth in the championship may sound like a relatively uninspired target, but it is a realistic one, and one that fits Renault’s long term plan.
“I think that 2017 will be a great year, an exciting year, and also a crucial year,” said president of Renault Sport Racing Jerome Stoll. “One year ago, we set the vision for the competition within Renault, we set the ambition for Formula One. And all along the 2016 year we have been working by investing a lot in order to close the gap to the best players.”
“Last year was about putting together the foundation of our mid- to long-term plan,” added Abiteboul. “It’s been done in the office. Now we need to deliver on track.”
Last season, in the Renault’s first in F1 since returning as a full works team, Renault finished ninth in the constructors’ championship with only three points finishes.
Jolyon Palmer will remain at the team, and be joined by Nico Hulkenberg, who makes the switch from Force India. Serge Sirotkin will remain as the reserve driver and is expected to run more in free practice sessions this season.
Four time F1 champion Alain Prost also joins the team as Renault Sport Racing Special Advisor, though he emphasized that he would not be involved in the day to day running of the team.
“My position would be from a little bit more behind,” Prost said. “Sometimes it’s good to have this kind of situation. Being at the committee is very important and together with Jerome and Cyril what is important is to give the input and to give the best decision possible to have the best strategy possible to be a winning team in the future.”
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Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
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