Renault talk up pace gains for France

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul says the team is looking to continue the improvement in their competitiveness up against the elite teams at their home Grand Prix in France this weekend, as they come off their best result on the season in Canada.

At the beginning of the campaign Renault were expected to be the ‘best of the rest’ behind Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull, but as of yet has struggled to meet these expectations, with McLaren currently fourth in the constructors’ championship.

However, the Canadian GP may have been a positive turning point as they secured their first double points finish of the season as Daniel Ricciardo finished fourth and Nico Hulkenberg in seventh.

Abiteboul is hoping their performances continue on a upwards gradient.

“The result [in Canada], and the manner in which we achieved it, should give us the confidence and motivation to push on through a demanding period of races with five Grands Prix before the summer break,” said the Renault team principal.

"France is clearly an important milestone. Not only is it our home Grand Prix at Le Castellet, but also the opportunity to demonstrate a further improvement in our competitiveness.

"While Canada, a power sensitive circuit, underlined the gains made in engine performance, France will see the introduction of several development items on the chassis.

The Frenchman insists, however, that the team won’t rest on their laurels as they strive to become competitive with the top three.

“One thing is clear: we cannot dwell on Montreal and to aim for a repeat of that result and keep striving to reduce the gap to the front,” Abiteboul added.

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