Renault may have the opportunity to upset the dominance of the top three teams in 2019, according to Nico Rosberg.
The French manufacturer is hinting at significant gains this season both with the engine, that has been their traditional weakness, and the chassis which continues to close the gap to the leaders.
However, having built up the factory team over the past few years and thanks to new aero rules for this year, that combination may allow Renault to make progress faster than expected.
"For Ricciardo and Renault, I, unfortunately, don't see that car being good enough to fight for podiums just yet," Rosberg said initially to Spain's Marca.
"It will be good, but a little less exciting, although, you know what? The gains could be surprising with the new rules, you never know."
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This week, managing director of the Formula 1 operation Cyril Abiteboul revealed time was tight to be ready for pre-season testing which begins on Monday.
On Saturday, however, those fears were dropped as Daniel Ricciardo conducted a filming day/shakedown in Spain.
“I'm happy to get a first taste in the R.S.19 today in Barcelona and I'm looking forward to pushing on and learning more with the team over the next couple of weeks," Renault quoted the Australian as saying.
World, meet the Renault R.S.19.
— Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) February 16, 2019
Renault R.S.19... meet @danielricciardo! #RSspirit #ItsON pic.twitter.com/CIz9WO1h0I
