Renault aims for 5th place in the manufacturers’ championship
As part of the presentation of its new R.S.17, Renault has set itself a precise objective: to finish the season in fifth place in the constructors' standings.
After a return at the end of 2015, as part of the acquisition of the Lotus team, Renault experienced a difficult first season in 2016 by scoring only 8 points and finishing ninth in the Constructors’ Championship. While a restructuring is still underway, numerous recruitments have been made, and the chassis has been built from scratch by the Enstone engineers, the leaders of the diamond brand are setting significantly higher goals.
Jérôme Stoll, President of Renault Sport, even sets a precise objective: “The goal is very simple, since for the first time we have a car that has been entirely developed by ourselves, we expect to be fifth in the championship. A year ago, we established the vision of competition within Renault, and we set our ambitions in Formula 1. We also explained our plans. We worked by investing heavily to close the gap with the best teams, recruited many people, and completely reorganized both companies to make them operate at 100%.”
Regarding this new season, the Frenchman believes that the team has all the ingredients for success: « I think 2017 will be a great year, an exciting year, and a crucial year. You will see what has been done by the Enstone team and the Viry team, it’s a product you’ll be eager to see. »
He continues confidently: « We have the team, the drivers, the partners, and an organization that is now managed under the direction of Cyril [Abiteboul, Managing Director], and Bob Bell [Technical Director], frankly I would say that we are hungry for podiums, and that we are now eager for success. »
On the side of Cyril Abitboul, general manager of Renault Sport, the same sentiment: « We are the fastest growing F1 team, we have increased our number of employees by 25% with targeted recruitment. We are investing to catch up, I think we are leading in this area. Looking at the regulations, we have the best of what technology can offer. The team is now in perfect harmony, with perfect communication. It’s a group of people working together to achieve a goal. »
And with the drivers, isn’t she a beauty?! #RS17Launch pic.twitter.com/A75NfShiuh
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) 21 février 2017
