Bob Bell (Renault): “A chance to score points”

With just under 800 laps completed in eight days of winter testing on the Barcelona track, Renault Sport F1 Team has proven to be the most reliable of the teams powered by the French Power Unit V6 turbo / hybrid.

A parameter that the Diamond manufacturer is highlighting as it approaches the first Grand Prix of the season next week in Melbourne, Australia.

“We had a great winter campaign in terms of reliability, underlines Bob Bell, technology director of Renault Sport F1 Team. This gives us reason to be optimistic. ".

The manager, however, remains cautious about the place of the R.S. 18 in the hierarchy. « Concerning performance, it is difficult to place us. The three leading teams are still ahead, but behind us, we are in the running with Force India, Toro Rosso, Haas et McLaren.

There is not much that separates us and that prevents us from saying anything before the first Grand Prix. I think we've done a good job of developing the car and have a chance to score points »

Bob Bell also recognizes that most teams will make changes for the first confrontation of the year in the Antipodes. Among Renault's main rivals, Force India is particularly expecting a clear improvement in its VJM11, as Sergio Pérez admitted.

Enough to make the Northern Irishman from Renault say that the semblance of hierarchy seen in Barcelona should be largely modified. First elements of response from Friday with the first free practices, but especially in qualifying next Saturday.