Renault F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg said he was rather optimistic bout the improvements made by RS19 at the France Grand Prix.
Since the beginning of the year, the Renault team has experienced several reliability problems that have limited the performance of the RS19, especially with a big problem of connecting rod on their engine.
But since the Monaco Grand Prix, Renault has solved their reliability problems and was able to unleash their engine to allow their drivers to fight for points.
“I’m pretty optimistic, I think it’s achievable, because so far the car was pretty good on all types of circuits. So I think our package is consistent and works almost everywhere.” Hulkenberg said.
“We just did not get the results because of errors, technical problems, so that makes me pretty optimistic.” Hulkenberg added.
In the Canada Grand Prix the team of the French manufacturer has signed tehir best result of the year with both cars in the top ten at the finish, while for the next race, Renault will introduce on the RS19 several improvements.
Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul has already declared that it would not be a version B of the RS19 at Castellet, but Hulkenberg is still optimistic with the arrival of the novelties.
Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg are giving Renault their first double points of the season at Canada GP. (Source:www.skysports.com)
“We had a difficult start to the season but we have to continue on this path. We hope we will continue this momentum for the Renault Grand Prix at home.” Hulkenberg said.
“The top three teams still have a good lead, although today [in Canada] only one Red Bull beat us in terms of pace, which is good to see.
“We’re going to get upgrades at Paul Ricard, so I’m very excited. I hope this can improve performance and help us narrow the gap.” he added.
Hulkenberg, meanwhile, scored points for the first time since the season-opening Australian GP, where incidentally he also finished seventh. The 31-year-old driver has finished eighth or better in each of the last six Canadian GP – so there’s clearly something about him and the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve that works.