Bob Bell: Giving resources back to Enstone

The great return of Renault on the starting grid F1 will be realized this weekend for the resumption of the World Championship in Melbourne, Australia. After the two winter testing sessions in Barcelona, the Losange does not want to put unnecessary pressure on himself before the first race for the RS16s entrusted to Jolyon Palmer and Kevin Magnussen.

Behind the scenes, the French brand continues its work to restructure its two entities in Viry and enstone. Inducted head of technology for Renault Sport F1 Team, and supervisor of technical operations between the Viry and Enstone entities, Bob Bell details the changes that should occur in the coming months.

« We are restoring resources to Enstone, explains the Briton. It is clearly stated in our plan that we must achieve this in two years. To date, there are around 470 of us and this figure should tend towards 650 in the future. It will take us more than eighteen months to get there.

Concerning Viry, we are more in a restructuring operation to harmonize and adapt the organization to that of Enstone with a view to the future. Recruitment aims to create the perfect combination of talents. We need young blood as much as we need more experienced people. »

Bob Bell also admits to being confident about the evolution of the RS16 from Melbourne. “If we are behind on aerodynamics and power, it is well balanced, stable and ideal for development. We didn't waste much time looking for balance. We are therefore very confident in our ability to quickly get into rhythm. If we could squeeze into the top ten in Melbourne we would be pretty happy. »

Find our presentation of the Australian Grand Prix, team by team, in issue 2054 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version, and on newsstands tomorrow. Our F1 2016 Guide also remains available in digital version and on newsstands.