Daniel Ricciardo says while the new Renault is "improved" it remains some way off the Mercedes W11.
The French manufacturer heads into this season keen to get back on track after a disappointing 2019 compared to expectations, dropping behind customer team McLaren to fifth in the Constructors' standings.
And based on lap times from testing it would appear Renault are looking good, with Ricciardo matching Mercedes on the same tyre on the final day.
But the Australian knows that doesn't tell the real picture.
“I think we have improved the overall balance of our car, and I feel the rear now is better,” Ricciardo said.
“We were able to get out of the corner a bit harder, so there have been improvements.
Also Read:
- Ricciardo encouraged by Renault pace but admits it's only testing
- Ricciardo will listen to 2021 offers but staying at Renault his 'ideal scenario'
- Ricciardo expects Renault to 'hit the ground running' in 2020
"So far the reliability and stuff is strong, that is something that Renault was really pushing for this year, and so far so good.
“Weaknesses of the car - watching the lap of [Valtteri] Bottas last week, and in general comparing to the Mercedes for example, they have a lot of rear grip with the front as well," he acknowledged.
“With the front, it seems like they can really carry a lot of speed through the corner and really be quite aggressive on entries and the rear is planted but the front also has good bite. So we need more grip and more downforce.”
Last year, Renault's strength came on low downforce circuits with Ricciardo's best results coming in Canada and Italy, and finding gains through the corners has been one of the main goals with the RS20
“The individuals on the car build this year have done some things to address it,” he explained.
“Without going into details there is more suspension travel and stuff like that to help on some bumpier parts of the circuits.
"This track [Barcelona] you don’t really get an indication because it is very smooth and the curbs are flat, so you have to go to Melbourne and something bumpy and harsh to find out if it is better.”
