Marcin Budkowski hopes the positive results of the past two Grand Prix carries across into the Brazilian Grand Prix, with the Renault Sport Formula One Team aiming to further consolidate fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Nico Hülkenberg has finished sixth in both the United States and Mexican Grand Prix while Carlos Sainz Jr. finished seventh at the Circuit of the Americas, although the one downside of the two events was the Spaniard’s retirement from the race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez due to a sudden mechanical problem.
Budkowski, the executive director of the Enstone-based squad, says the team is confident to come to the Autódromo José Carlos Pace aiming for another good haul of points as they bid to confirm themselves in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, sitting as they do thirty points ahead of the Haas F1 Team with just two races remaining.
“We enjoyed two good results in the United States and Mexico, and certainly it could have been even better had we not suffered a retirement in Mexico,” said Budkowski.
“Both circuits suited our package a lot better than some of the previous races and we’ve worked hard to further our understanding of the R.S.18 and extract the maximum performance out of it.
“Interlagos is located at a lot less altitude than Mexico, even though it’s still one of the highest on the calendar at almost 800m. The effects on the power unit and on the various cooling systems are not anywhere close to the levels of Mexico.
“Interlagos has a mixture of corners, ranging from low to high-speed. In comparison to the last two races, Interlagos may be less suited to our package, but nevertheless we head there expecting to be competitive.”
Budkowski says it is ‘always pleasant’ to return to Brazil as everyone can feel the passion of the fans, while the country itself is an important market for Renault.
“It’s always pleasant to go to a country and a circuit where people are passionate,” said Budkowski. “Brazil is exceptional for its atmosphere. It’s a destination where you feel the passion and the fan support both for Formula 1 and for the team.
“Brazil is also a key market for Renault.”
