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Abiteboul: "Baku next phase of season"

20:01, 23 Apr 2018

byJake Williams-Smith

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul says that the team will introduce a plethora of new components and upgrades in Azerbaijan, with the race marking the next phase in their push to the front of the field and to claim fourth in the constructor standings.

“We had the same result in China as Bahrain just one week before, but the feeling after Shanghai was almost entirely positive rather than lucky," Abiteboul said.

“In a straight fight against our competitors, we confirmed that we currently have the fourth best engine-chassis-driver combination on the grid.

“This is what we must carry forward and target at every race and the priorities are clear for both sides of Renault Sport Formula One Team at Enstone and Viry.”

Renault find themselves in a tight battle in the midfield behind the top three teams to claim bragging rights as best of the rest in 2018. Their upgrades will be vital to securing extra prize money if their push to the front of the field is to come to fruition, as is their plan for 2020.

"Baku will mark the start of the next phase of our season push.

“We will debut some new chassis upgrades, specifically on the wings and bargeboards, which will be followed on the engine side in Barcelona.

“We are confident that the combination of these developments can allow us to maintain our performance. We need to remain focused on making every single element work.”