Cyril Abiteboul: “Sakhir will be a new test for us. »

The Chinese race in Shanghai did not smile on the single-seaters equipped with the Power Unit Renault whose reliability has been further undermined. Max Verstappen (Toro Rosso) and Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull) both saw their hopes dashed following a thermal engine problem on their car, and alone Daniel Ricciardo put his RB11 in the points.

« We expected that the Chinese Grand Prix would not suit us in terms of performance, but not that reliability would not be there, indicated Cyril Abiteboul, general manager of Renault Sport F1. The early introduction of new engines during the first races unfortunately has the effect of postponing the failures of the first specification. This is an additional challenge that we must deal with. We have already taken stock with Red Bull and Toro Rosso and the findings are clear: we will analyze the reasons for these breakages and accelerate the implementation of measures to achieve flawless reliability. With only five days until Bahrain, we know Sakhir will be another test for us. »

A race against the clock is underway and Renault is working hard in view of the meeting in Bahrain, and the first free practices which will begin this Friday. “Several test sessions on the engine bench are planned this week and they will allow us to return in good conditions to Bahrain. » specifies Rémi Taffin, director of operations.