Renault Managing Director Cyril Abiteboul says Renault is placing ‘special attention’ on its ERS, following a few reliability glitches over the course of pre-season testing.
Renault completed fewer laps than only McLaren during the second pre-season test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with an ERS problem affecting running.
The manufacturer has stressed that a solution will be in place for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, a move which will also aid customers Red Bull and Toro Rosso, with both teams also hit by Renault issues during testing.
Abiteboul is confident that Renault has made substantial progress as it attempts to move into the top five of the Constructors’ championship this season, following last year's dismal effort upon its full-time return to the sport.
Nico Hülkenberg posted Renault’s best time of the second test, a 1:19.885 on Ultra Softs, to finish eighth on the combined leaderboard, with Jolyon Palmer 12th.
“The RS.17 looks beautiful and we think it is a good platform to build the performance that will allow to achieve our aims for 2017,” said Abiteboul.
“We know the areas we need to address. We think we already have a good step forward with performance thanks to this car and the new power unit as shown by our lap times despite adverse circumstances in the previous days that prevented optimising the package.
“We have to focus on reliability with special attention on the ERS, which is already well underway.
“Everyone at Enstone, at Viry and at the track has been working exceptionally hard to get this car on track and it is empowering to experience this positive ethos.
“Nico and Jo have also done a great job, and I can already feel that they have the potential to make the contribution we are expecting to the team’s performance.”
