Renault: “Driver performance, criterion n°1”

The top teams (Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes et McLaren) having all confirmed their driver duos for 2011, Renault F1 Team is the best team on the current field whose “line-up” is not assured for the next season. If Robert Kubica was quickly confirmed, the future of Vitaly Petrov is still up in the air. But Eric Boullier does not rule out keeping him.

« Vitaly has shown us during the last four races that we can entrust him with a wheel in 2011 in order to pursue our objectives, explains the Renault F1 team manager. If he can't convince us about the end of the season, he won't drive our car. If he can convince us, we will keep him. But we are not putting pressure on ourselves to compose our duo for 2011. One thing is certain, we will not wait until January. »

Furthermore, Eric Boullier repeats that it is the level of performance more than nationality which will count in his choice of driver. “ I know that a Russian driver would be very appreciated and that Russia brings potential for all the companies involved in Formula 1. But, for us, the number 1 criterion is always the performance of the driver. The passport arrives next. It is performance that brings the greatest market potential because, without performance, this potential is very limited. We must not put the cart before the horse. »

Concerning Kimi Räikkönen, the Frenchman confirms what he had said exclusively to AUTOhebdo.fr on the sidelines of the Singapore Grand Prix: the current rally driver will only be able to claim a seat on the condition that he proves that he has great motivation. “ Sure, he contacted us, but our biggest problem right now is whether we keep Petrov. If we answer this question in the negative, we will look into replacing it. Concerning Kimi, I want to speak to him personally, in order to look him in the eyes and find out if he is motivated enough to return to Formula 1. Even if he is World Champion, it would make no sense to recruit someone? one of which you are not sure that his motivation is always maximum. Why invest in someone who leaves you in doubt at this level? »

But the team manager of the team?enstone believes he is honored that Renault is an interesting choice for a former World Champion. “ Yes, it is, it shows that all the work we have done this season has been noticed and that we are considered a challenger for next season. »