Formula One Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul says Esteban Ocon arrival has 'revitalised' the team

Renault

Renault boss says Ocon arrival has 'revitalised' the team

Ocon 'ready for the challenge'

Sam Hall

Thursday 13 February 2020 13:01

Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul says that the arrival of Esteban Ocon has 'revitalised' the team ahead of the 2020 season.

When Renault launched their R.S.20 car at an event in Paris on Wednesday, Ocon made his first public appearance alongside teammate Daniel Ricciardo. Replacing Nico Hulkenberg at the team, Ocon is returning to a Formula One race seat after having been forced to sit out the 2019 season after, ironically, the hiring of Ricciardo prevented Ocon from securing his move to the French team from Racing Point.

“It’s very exciting and I can’t wait to test the new car in Barcelona," said Ocon. "We’ve had a lot of time to prepare, and I’m feeling ready for the challenge. I’m really looking forward to racing again – back where I want to be – after waiting for a year.

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"There are a lot of new items on this year’s car and the guys have been working hard to find some additional performance.

"It’s all about details in Formula 1 and I’ve seen quite a lot of details on the Renault R.S.20. It’s exciting to see the design but the next thing you want is to be behind the wheel and feeling what it’s like."

Abiteboul added how his new signing had added a new spark at the team.

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"This coming season is revitalised by the arrival of Esteban, who brings with him fresh energy", said Abiteboul. "Both he and Daniel are both exceptionally motivated. Esteban returns to a seat after a year out and wants to show he deserves to race in F1.

"You can see the hunger in his eyes. Daniel has a year of experience with the team and can see its motivation. We need this kind of push. F1 needs everyone at the top of their game and having two drivers spurring everyone on is an immense motivation tool for the entire team and a source of pride for the whole of Groupe Renault."

Renault ended 2019 fifth - 45-points off McLaren in fourth and just six ahead of Toro Rosso, now AlphaTauri, in sixth.

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