We Have to Repay the Trust of Ricciardo – Renault

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul has said that the team must “repay” the faith that Daniel Ricciardo has placed in them. According to him, the only way they can do that is by delivering the Australian a car that can win races in 2019. Ever since their return to the grid in 2016, Renault have not scored a single podium. However, they are well established as 2018’s fourth-best team ahead of the likes of Haas and Force India.

The French marquee finished ninth in 2016 and catapulted up the order to 6th in 2017. This year too, they are likely to take another leap up the pecking order.

Since Red Bull will be using Honda power next season, it is likely that 3rd place could be ripe for the taking. In fact, Abiteboul believes that Ricciardo’s arrival should raise Renault’s notoriety even higher.

“His commitment proves our will to accelerate the catching-up process to the top teams,” Abiteboul said.

“It is also a recognition of the work we have done over the past two and a half years.

“The talent and charisma of Daniel are a big bonus for the team. We have to repay his trust in us by providing him with the best possible car.”

“I see positively that the separation is a clear signal to everyone in the team that we now have to do it ourselves,” he added.

“Red Bull has shown us that you can win races with our engine if you build a good chassis. This is a challenge for the team in Enstone.

“The marriage with Red Bull was demanding and sometimes very exhausting for us. The negative thing is that Red Bull set a fantastic bar for us.

“The platform gave us the opportunity to compare our engine with the others. Unfortunately, we have not yet managed to win a constructors’ championship with this engine.”