Hülkenberg predicts a tight fight behind the top 3

Sixth in the Manufacturers' ranking last year, Renault Sport F1 Team has not set itself a precise numerical objective for 2018 but the French manufacturer displays logically increasing ambitions and the off-season tests have suggested a promising potential for the RS18.

Main contributor to Renault's points harvest last year, Nico Hulkenberg hopes to see the yellow and black house launch its campaign with the same positive dynamic as that which accompanied it at the end of 2017 but the former winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans avoids any prediction.

“We prepared as best as possible, he said at a Renault press event on Wednesday afternoon in Melbourne. I'm not sure of the hierarchy for fourth place. I think it will be quite close with other teams in the mix.

Haas demonstrated a good level of performance, McLaren also. Furthermore, Melbourne is not the best reference in this area because the track is a bit special. The most important thing for the team will be to improve throughout the season to get closer to the front. »

The weather could well confuse the issue a little more with rain expected in the capital of the state of Victoria this weekend. A prospect which does not frighten the one who signed the one and only pole position of his F1 career so far on the wet in Brazil in 2010 with Williams.

“I have always loved changeable conditions if not rainy, Hulkenberg added. I like it when it's tricky and am ready to take on any challenge. »