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After a difficult re-entry into F1 as a works team in 2016, Renault is making progress this season - and Nico Hulkenberg emphasised that in Sochi on Sunday with a points finish, having started from the top ten as well.
It led to Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul expressing his confidence in the R.S.17's apparent pace, something that could bring more good fortune to the Enstone team as the year progresses. Of Renault's Russian Grand Prix performance he said: "Another step forward from the team this weekend, not only confirming that we are regular top ten qualifiers but also showing that our race pace has improved relative to our qualifying pace too.
"It was a really exciting race for Nico as we ran a reactive strategy after a poor first lap, trying to take the fight to the Force India cars as best we could. With an unusual strategy, we kept the pressure on them for most of the race, but eventually Nico had to manage his fuel and could not really threaten Esteban. We did everything we could at a circuit we knew would not be one of the most favourable for our package."
Abiteboul's words suggest that Renault exceeded its own expectations in Russia, and the result will surely give further hope to many in the team as the F1 circus heads to Spain. The Frenchman proceeded to confirm this positivity, while also commenting on Jolyon Palmer's short afternoon: "Our overall performance gives us strong optimism as we head to tracks which should be more suited to our car, especially as we have a healthy development programme lined up.
"Jolyon had a very tough race weekend with a very short race after Romain's ambitious move. It is a real shame as he had shown clear signs of competitiveness on Friday and Saturday. We owe a big thanks to everyone in the garage this weekend as there have been some very long hours worked, without a single fault."
Mason Hawker
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (3)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It is no doubt better than last year. But I think most of the pace we are currently seeing is more down to Hulkenberg rather than the car itself.
Wolfgang
Posts: 313
agree. The importance of a good driver can be clearly seen at Renault at the moment.
There was a funny thing in the commentary of the russian gp where it was said Hülkenberg hasn´t got the race pace and the abilitiy to race over a distance like Perez cause Perez did all the podium finishes whereas Hülkenberg doesn´t.
Wait. Who won the most important 24h race against guys who raced this Porsche for several years?!? This message was just ridiculous. I hope Renault is going to deliver rather sooner than later and Hülkenberg gets a top drive where he can show what he´s able to do.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, I find that the comments from most pundits doesnt tend to add up, so I rarely listen to their opinions.
While its true that Perez did get all the podiums for Force India last year, Hulkenberg also had a fair share of bad luck last year. It could've been any of the two, to be honest.