Renault aren't surprised by their lack of performance in 2016, as they effectively took on an undeveloped car when they bought out the Lotus team at the start of the year.
The team currently have six points to their name – all of which came at the Russian Grand Prix – as they've lacked pace compared to their rivals.
But team principal Fred Vasseur isn't concerned and says it was to be expected as the chassis they're using was designed for the 2015 season by Lotus and went undeveloped for almost the entire season, as the previous owners struggled with their finances.
"We knew the numbers and we knew perfectly that the car was designed at the beginning of 2015 and had not been developed at all during the season," he told Motorsport. "Plus it was designed for the Mercedes engine, and we kept exactly the same chassis to put the Renault inside.
"To go on track was a bit challenging. We took the company over two months before Barcelona [pre-season testing] and for sure you cannot expect to be in a good shape."
Vasseur however expects the team to take a big step forward as they've focussed much of their time on rebuilding the team and preparing for the major technical changes come for 2017.
"We have the road map from Ghosn that says in year three you are able to go for podiums and in year five you are able to win some races," he added. "So, between today and year three, we have to be in a position to do a podium."
The team are currently ninth in the standings, but Vassuer expects them to finish fifth next year, which he says would be a "good achievement."
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