Renault is expecting a boost in performance from a fuel update at next weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, according to Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul.
Renault has spearheaded Formula 1’s midfield on a handful of occasions this year as it continues with its long-term project to return to the front of the grid.
The manufacturer holds fifth spot in the Constructors’ Championship, a solitary point behind McLaren, and Abiteboul is optimistic of further gains when the paddock reconvenes in Spain.
“Our progress is clearly illustrated in the data in a number of ways; for example our gap to pole has halved from last year,” said Abiteboul on Renault’s 2018 gains. “The start of the European season now needs to see a consolidation of that performance.
“We will be helped in Spain by a step on the engine side with new fuel and some aero tweaks to reflect the characteristics of the track.
“We hope this to be a move forward, but we also recognise that many other teams will bring upgrade packages too and Barcelona is well known to everyone.
“We need to push for points and that fourth position in the Constructors’ Championship, which is well within our grasp now but I expect it to be a lot tighter from now on in.
“Our target remains reliability and scoring points at every race if we are to achieve this.”
Technical Chief Bob Bell also expressed encouragement that Renault has delivered on the performance it displayed during pre-season testing.
“We had a very successful and reliable test and that’s been mirrored into the first four races with consistent points,” said Bell.
“The performance of the car has been pretty much where we thought it would be from winter testing.
“We have a very stable platform, which is a great place to be in order to develop and make the car better and better as the season progresses.
“Confidence is up, and we believe we can fight where we want to be.
“It’s never easy, it’s hard fought and we have to push hard all year to get the developments coming and keep us ahead of the rest of the midfield pack. We’re in a good place with a solid foundation.”
Renault's fuel supplier BP Castrol also acts as McLaren's partner, while the other customer Renault team, Red Bull, uses Mobil1.
