Prost to be Renault advisor

Renault launched its new F1 car, the R.S.17, at an event in London on Tuesday, and alongside its unveiling came the news that four-time world champion Alain Prost will act as a special advisor to the team throughout the coming season.

The Frenchman has an extensive amount of F1 experience not only as a driver, but also as the boss of his own team between 1997 and 2001, and he is expected to use this experience to contribute to Renault's push up the constructors' table as a member of its executive committee. The team believes that fifth place overall should be achievable in 2017.

Of Prost's new role, Renault Sport president Jerome Stoll explained: "He will bring to the team his great experience, great network, and also an ability to talk with the driver, and having a specific network for that."

Prost is currently a senior figure within the successful e.dams Formula E team, which he co-founded with Jean-Paul Driot, and he says that he will not work in his new role with Renault on a day-to-day basis. He will, however, assist the squad in making beneficial decisions from the outside.

"What is important is that Renault can be competitive and win as soon as possible," he said. "(It is) not the first time I am involved in Renault, but to be clear I will not have a day to day role, it will be more behind (the scenes). Sometimes it is good to have this kind of situation, being on committees is important - important to give the best decision and best strategy to be a winning team in the future."

Prost is due to be present at the opening pre-season test in Barcelona, and is eager to see just how the new F1 regulations affect the performance of the teams' new cars.

"I am very excited - as you can imagine looking at the size of the car it looks like the old days when we had the big tyres. I am going on Monday to Barcelona, and will be curious to see what they (the drivers) say. With the fast corners it will be tough for them physically. (It will be) good for F1 - you needed a new cycle, I hope we can bring new followers and new spectators, and I hope young spectators."

Mason Hawker