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Renault has admitted that they knew there was potential that Nico Hulkenberg's Monaco Grand Prix could end in retirement. The German was forced to pull trackside on lap 16 of the race with a gearbox issue, one that was shown to have issues after the practice sessions.
With Monaco being a track that is notoriously difficult to overtake, Renault opted to keep the gearbox in the car, as any change would result in a five-place grid penalty. Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul revealed that they took a risk running the gearbox.
"The team did a lot of work on Friday that allowed us to address a challenging situation after Thursday practice and to assure two respectable positions on the grid," said Abiteboul. "Our analysis showed there was a risk with Nico's gearbox.
"We chose to keep it in the car to avoid a penalty if we made a change. To score points at our current level, you have to take risks. That is motor racing and it didn't pay off. It is frustrating because Nico had good pace"
Hulkenberg has scored points already this season, with Renault's current tally almost double what they achieved in the whole of 2016. Their best result is a sixth place finish, achieved through Hulkenberg in Spain. Jolyon Palmer in the other Renault is yet to score points, something he will have to do soon if he wants to keep his seat for 2018.
Fergal Walsh
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Unfortunately the risk didn't match the reward.. perhaps it was foolish