Renault expect a big step forward in 2017, having spent much of its debut season, having acquired the Lotus team at the end of 2015, rebuilding its workforce and facilities as part of a five-year plan to win a world championship as a works team again.
The team scored points in just three races last year, bringing its tally to eight – 21 points less than newcomer Haas.
However following a year of learning for the team, driver Jolyon Palmer says the aim for 2017 is to battle in the midfield and score points in every race and he's confident they can achieve that.
"We think the top three – Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari – will continue to lead, but we can fight in the next group with Williams, Force India, McLaren and maybe Toro Rosso," he told Autocar. "We want to be fighting for points in every race."
Not only that, but Palmer believes a podium could be possible if they can have a "perfect race" next year.
"I dream of a podium," added the Briton. "Obviously, everything’s up in the air at present. You can’t know how others are doing.
"If we scored a podium, it would have to be the result of a perfect race. But if Force India can get two of them in 2016, we can do it next year. That’s what I feel right now, anyway…"
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