Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon believe Renault’s recent form gives confidence that the squad can end its lengthy drought from the Formula 1 podium positions.
Renault’s low-downforce package enabled it take home fourth and fifth in Belgium last weekend, with Ricciardo also bagging the fastest lap of the race for an extra point.
Monza, which often leads to the highest speeds during a Formula 1 season due to its long-straights, is the venue for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
The outfit has not taken a podium since its days as Lotus in 2015 while as a works team Renault last featured on the Formula 1 podium in 2010.
As Renault looks to make gains towards third in the championship standings, both drivers believe they will be in the mix at the higher end of the grid during the coming days.
“The characteristics [of Monza] are similar in a more extreme way, a more suitable way than even Spa,” Ocon said.
“So we should be in a good position. But everyone works hard, so it is going to be tight as always. But I think we can have a good chance it again doing a strong race.
“Of course we were very close in Spa to the podium,” Ocon said.
”[We’re] not in that position yet, but the car was so competitive and I think there is going to be one more opportunity here.
“But let us not try to think about that too hard. Let’s do our job and in doing so if we have the speed we will try maximize and get it done.”
Ricciardo mirrored his team-mate’s comments and is confident that he will have a strong car underneath him throughout the weekend.
“I think we can be competitive again,” Ricciardo said. “That is what we should expect.
“Whether it will happen or not, time will tell. We know racecars can be interesting vehicle sometimes and surprise you in good or bad ways.
“After last weekend we should come here with confidence. If that results in a podium, time will tell.
“That is our aim, our target. But to sit here confidently and say yes we are going to be a podium car; we will wait and see. But I think we should be competitive I won’t deny that.”
