Renault is confident that it can make a return to the points in Belgium. The French manufacturer has had an up and down season so far, with 26 points leaving them eighth in the standings. While Nico Hulkenberg has five top ten finishes, teammate Jolyon Palmer is yet to add a point to his name in 2017.
Last month, Managing Director Cyril Abiteboul stated that Palmer needed to start bringing home points if he was to retain his seat for next season. The Frenchman's stance is very much the same, as he hopes that the team can start the second half of the season in a strong fashion.
"The Belgian Grand Prix marks the beginning of the home stretch of the season and it’s vital that we hit the ground running by making a return to the points. Clear steps are being made and we are heading in the right direction in terms of pace and reliability. The summer break came at a welcome time as we had the opportunity to reflect on these past few months and take a recharging period."
Engine Technical Director Remi Taffin is also confident that the team can get a strong result from the weekend, confirming that they will be bringing software and hardware updates: "We have the potential for a good result. Over the last few races our cars have been performing well and I can’t see any reason why Spa can’t continue that trend.
"Spa has high speed corners as well as a few straights which can be a real test," he continued. "We have to deal with the challenging section between La Source through to Les Combes. Drivers are full throttle for almost 2km and encounter the notorious Eau Rouge which will be fully loaded in this year’s cars with a lateral force of -3g.
"Spa will be strenuous on the power unit given around 67 percent of the lap is spent at full throttle. But we have drivers driving well, a chassis that is performing well and an engine which is on track - Spa and Monza will see new software and hardware updates; it’s all pointing in the right direction," Taffin concluded.
Fergal Walsh
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