Fred Vasseur believes the last four races of the 2016 Formula 1 season will be physically tough but Renault Sport Formula 1 Team are up for the fight.
Even though the Japanese Grand Prix didn’t yield any points for the Enstone based outfit, everyone is happy with their performance. Jolyon Palmer finished in twelfth with Kevin Magnussen in fourteenth at the Suzuka International Racing Course. This finish was ahead of McLaren Honda Formula 1 Team and Scuderia Toro Rosso.
Team principal Vasseur believes qualifying is key for a Grand Prix is key as they will have a stronger baseline to start the race. With strong results hopefully following this.
“In terms of pure performance it was certainly our best weekend so far this season,” said Vasseur. “It confirms the progression we have made since June and how we have been able to maintain it.
“In Japan we overtook Toro Rosso and McLaren and were much closer to Williams than we have been in the past, so we have raised our level in the race. What is clear is that we need to improve in qualifying to have a stronger baseline with which to start the race, and then hopefully the results will follow”
Vasseur believes the recent performance by their 2016 drivers confirms the team are moving forward. With Palmer securing his first point of the season in the Malaysian Grand Prix.
“The last results, independent of the points scored by Jo or Kevin, have energised the team,” added Vasseur. “It confirms we are moving forward, which is always very positive.
“Even if tenth place is not where we want to end up long-term, it is progress and that is always encouraging for everyone. The last four races are physically tough, but we’re up for the fight.”
