Renault will still have something new to test in Spain

After successfully testing a new front wing at the Russian GP in Sochi, Renault Sport F1 Team will test more new aero elements this weekend in Barcelona which will host the Spanish Grand Prix.

If all the teams are bringing numerous developments for the start of the European season, Renault has already confirmed that the RS 17s of Nico Hulkenberg and Jolyon Palmer will have a new rear wing and new deflectors.

“We are getting good results so far in qualifying and the race in Sochi was positive in terms of gaining pace in the race, underlined Nick Chester, the technical director of the chassis part. We will still have developments on the aero package for Spain with which we are optimistic. We will bring new deflectors and a new rear wing. »

“We are in the middle of the pack where we expected at the start of the year, but the gaps are very small and we need to make sure we have every possible advantage over the car,” Nick Chester said.  

After taking 8th place at the Russian GP, ​​Nico Hülkenberg intends to take advantage of the developments to stay in the points in Spain.

“I'm comfortable right now, explained the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2015. The car performs better every race. I like the Catalunya track, especially the first three corners of the first sector which are even more impressive with the new cars. It's a physical circuit with fast right turns. You have to have a well-muscled neck, you realize this when you get out of the car at the end of the race. »

His teammate Jolyon Palmer will be keen to do better after his retirement in Sochi following his contact with Romain Grosjean (Haas).

“We saw what the RS 17 was capable of and I know that I have all the elements in hand to get into the points if the weekend goes well,” commented the former GP2 champion who will give up his place in EL1 to reservist Sergey Sirotkin.

Renault Sport F1 Team remains 8th in the Manufacturers' Championship, two points behind Haas F1 Team.