Renault want Ricciardo to inspire title success

Daniel Ricciardo's arrival can inspire Renault to once again become a title-winning force in Formula 1, says the team's president Jerome Stoll. The Australian stunned Red Bull and the wider F1 community by snubbing a contract offer from his current employers to pen a two-year deal with Renault.

Red Bull's gamble to take Honda power units after ditching Renault could open up third place in the championship and the French squad appear best-placed, having pulled clear in fourth in 2018 thanks to the performances of Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz Jr.

Renault were last title-winners in 2006 as Fernando Alonso completed back-to-back championship campaigns, but there is hope in the team that Ricciardo's arrival will spark another golden age.

Stoll said: "Renault decided to come back to Formula One to fight for World Championships.

"Signing Daniel Ricciardo is a unique opportunity for the Groupe Renault towards this objective that could not be missed.

"We welcome Daniel's arrival to our team, still in the making, but more motivated than ever."

Renault have not scored a podium finish in F1 since resuming full-time from the ashes of the Lotus team in 2016, but Cyril Abiteboul says Ricciardo's arrival will motivate the French marque to deliver the most competitive car possible in 2019.

He said: "Daniel's signing underscores our determination to accelerate our progress towards the forefront of the sport.

"It is also a recognition of the work accomplished over the past two and a half seasons. Daniel's undoubted talent and charisma are a huge bonus and statement for the team.

"We will have to repay his faith in us by delivering the best car possible. We welcome him to our growing team in 2019 with a great deal of pride, but also humility."