Renault will retouch its R.S.19 in Japan

Distanced by McLaren with a view to fourth place in the Manufacturers' championship, Renault F1 Team is counting on the Japanese Grand Prix to achieve a much more solid performance than in Russia ten days ago, with only one point collected by Nico Hulkenberg, and an abandonment for Daniel Ricciardo.

To aim for points on one of the most demanding tracks of the season, the Diamond brand will be focusing on several developments on its R.S.19. “We are bringing a new front wing to Suzuka, describes Nick Chester, technical director of Renault F1 Team.

We also have a new chassis blade. On the outside, the changes are quite subtle, but we expect more downforce and grip.

It is quite a challenge to master this circuit and requires good front grip in the first sector for rapid changes of direction at high speed, but also enough stability to give the driver confidence.

It is also a track that is very sensitive to drag and engine power. The rear wing can be at the heart of a difficult compromise. »

Daniel Ricciardo, however, believes that the task ahead of Renault to try to close the gap with McLaren should be complicated at the end of the season, the two cars driven by Lando Norris et Carlos Sainz showing themselves to be more regular than the R.S.19.

“We can't dwell too much on what happened and we can only focus on Japan where we will have to make sure we do a good job, indicates the old pilot Red Bull Racing.

This will be important to stay in the match for fourth place. We know it will be difficult, but we will not give up. »