Renault Chief Technical Officer Bob Bell has labelled the team’s RS.17 as its first “real” car, after spending 2016 hamstrung by residual problems from the previous Lotus outfit.
Renault returned to Formula 1 as a manufacturer at the start of 2016 but struggled with an uncompetitive RS.16, and placed only ninth in the standings, with just three points finishes.
Bell, who returned to Renault after a spell with Mercedes, is optimistic that Renault can flourish this year, having been able to exert its own influence on the new car.
“It’s no secret that our 2016 car was not one born of a lengthy or smooth development process, so the R.S.17 is the first real Renault Formula 1 car of the modern era,” he said.
“It’s a ground-up design as we had the time and the resources to do it, notwithstanding the fact that the change in the regulations demanded it.
“There is no carry-over in of componentry from 2016 to 2017, so it really has been a ‘clean sheet of paper’ approach.
“Our performance metrics show that we’ve made gains in a strong and consistent manner throughout its development.
“If you look at the car itself you will see tremendous attention to detail and sophistication, illustrating that it’s been designed by a talented and knowledgeable group of people.
“This is a proper Renault Formula 1 car and what we know about it so far gives me a lot of optimism.”
Bell added that Renault is nearing its recruitment target, with factories in Britain and France both growing in number after cutbacks under Lotus.
“In terms of our personnel growth and development, we’re well along the path of getting to where we need to be,” he commented.
“In terms of headcount, we’re not far off our ultimate goal for 2017. Those already recruited are working well together as a team, and it’s the cohesion of the group as whole that’s important.
“This cohesion doesn’t happen overnight, but the performance of our growing group of people has been impressive. Everyone at Enstone and Viry is united by a common goal and that is seen and felt every day."
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