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Sainz: Late Issue Doesn't Cloud Progress

12:13, 11 Mar 2018

byNicolás Quarles van Ufford

Until the last day, Renault was one of the most productive teams out there, but on Friday a gearbox caused problems for the French team. Carlos Sainz Jr. has said that this late problem shouldn't hinder the process that the team has made.

“It [the gearbox problem] was frustrating for me and the team, but this doesn’t cloud what was a productive week of testing in Barcelona,” the Spaniard said.

“For the final couple of hours we were able to conduct some performance work with the softer tyres and the car did feel decent."

“In a way, it’s good that we had the problem we did [in testing], rather than during the season when it could hurt us more."

“I’m feeling positive ahead of the start of the season and I can’t wait to get to Albert Park.”

Team boss Cyrit Abiteboul also weighed in on the argument.

“We have been able to cover almost all our programme over the two weeks."

“We feel we have a good handle on the car, which is a step forward from last year, but we will need to wait until Australia to determine where we are in the order.”