Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul says he is keen to demonstrate the manufacturer's progression through 2018 as it continues its long-term bid to re-emerge as a front-runner in Formula 1.
Renault, having scaled back its involvement early in the decade, returned to Formula 1 full-time for 2016, having acquired the Lotus operation.
After finishing ninth in the constructors' standings in 2016 and sixth in 2017, Abiteboul believes the team's main goal is to keep the momentum moving forward, showing development in every department.
"Our headline target is to show continued progression through results," said Abiteboul. "We want to be able to showcase our progression in every regard; power unit, chassis, operations, drivers. Everything must improve and we must continue to grow.
"We want to demonstrate this in many different ways, from the teams we will be directly racing against, to the gap to the leaders, including also our fan base and the respect that our team will inspire in our way we behave on and off track.
"This is a testament to our drive, commitment and adherence to a very ambitious plan. It was a quantified progression towards what we want to become and challenging the top teams."
With Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz Jr forming the 2018 driver line-up, the Frenchman has complete confidence in the two drivers which he feels have fully integrated into the team since the end of the 2017 season, and will utilise the new R.S.18 to its full capacity.
"We have everything to be positive about this year," added the 40-year old.
"We have two very talented and ambitious drivers. Last year Nico gave us exactly what we needed with his experience, knowledge and ability to lead both on and off track.
"Carlos joined us at the end of the season and he brought something fresh, and he scored points to help us in the Constructors’ battle. Without that we wouldn’t have finished where we finished."
"They have become incredible team members who have built up strong relationships within Renault. Their feedback has been invaluable in honing the Renault R.S.18 and their skill shines every time they exit the garage.
"They are as committed as we are to getting every last tenth out of the car."
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