Renault is looking to put its disappointing performance in 2016 behind it. The French automaker is preparing for the Formula One's pre-season grind this year.
Just recently, the Renault RS17 unit has been unraveled. This sports vehicle will figure during next week's pre-season test runs in Barcelona. The yellow and black-laden car will be driven by Jolyon Palmer and Nico Hulkenberg.
With a new undercarriage in tow, Renault hopes to improve on its 9th place finish in last year's Constructors Championship. More than that, the Boulogne-Billancourt-based organization intends to have a good showing during the competition since its racing machineries will be in full display.
Aside from bringing in its own crew, Renault will be providing Red Bull its engines for the high-speed tussle. This initiative has been bannered by Tag Heuer.
Even though the French auto manufacturer has been on a losing streak since 2014 due to its low-powered hybrid engines, it has been somewhat relieved with Red Bull's 2016 victory with Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo at the helm.
According to the Energy Drink's Chief Christian Horner, if Renault will trim down F1 leader Mercedes's engine performance by three percent, Red Bull will be able to go toe-to-toe against its rival.
Although the Austria-based drink booster has its hopes soaring high, it's quite a different story with the French racing crew. With the Renault RS17 in play, questions continue to hound the European team. Such criticisms may have been attributed to the performance-altering thumb-style nosecone maneuvers.
Aside from reviving a strategic approach from the past, Renault will also bring out an engine that is capped with 'shark-fin' coats. This type of covering has been last used in 2010.
Renault has utilized the launching of its F1 team as an avenue to welcome its former driver Alain Prost. The four-time racing champion will assume special advisor duties for the group.
Prost has shared his elation when he pointed out that the presence of big tyres on the car brought up his own racing days.
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