Renault launch 2019 car intent on reeling in F1 big three
RENAULT approach the 2019 season intent on maintaining their march towa rds For mula One’s top t hree teams aided by the arriva l of Daniel Riccia rdo to dr ive a longside Nico Hulkenberg.
“We are starting our campaign with the aim of continuing this momentum,” said Renault’s managing director Cyril Abiteboul at the team’s 2019 launch on Tuesday at their Enstone headquarters in England.
Ni nt h i n t he const r uctors’ t it le race on their return as a team to F1 in 2016, t hey improved to si x t h in 2017 and fourt h last season.
Unvei l i ng t he black a nd yel low RS19 they are counting on to close t he gap on Mercedes, Fer ra r i a nd Riccia rdo’s for mer employers Red Bull, Abiteboul said t hey had avoided setting a points ta rget.
A seven-time Grand Pri x winner, R ic c i a rdo’s a r r i v a l s hou ld help Renau lt cont i nue t hei r upward ly mobile trajector y.
“The added momentum of t he Da n iel-Nico pa r t ner sh ip br i ngs confidence to the team this season,” said Abiteboul.
“I bel ieve we have one of t he st rongest – i f not t he st rongest – driver line-up on t he g r id. Daniel brings proven race winning experience and knowledge of a top team, while Nico is hungr y.
“He’s hugely underrated – he’s quick, determined and a team motivator.”
Ricciardo’s professionalism and sunny disposition should also benefit the team.
“I want to put a spring in everyone’s step because that’s part of my job and also my character,” the Australian said.
“I aim to be able to get the team to work that extra bit harder, put in more effort and rally ever yone together. I’d like to be a catalyst for positive energy.”
Renault wil l put a l l t heir winter development on the car to the test on the track at Barcelona next week.