Renault drivers Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg admit motivation is a little higher ahead of the manufacturer’s first home race in a decade at the French GP.
Having come home in seventh and eighth last time out in Montreal, consolidating their position as the top midfield team on the grid, expectations are high for at least a repeat around Paul Ricard this weekend.
One aspect that is being talked about in the build-up is the varying degree of experience the drivers have around the circuit, which last hosted F1 in 1990, but having driven there ahead of his Le Mans run with Porsche in 2015, Hulkenberg knows the demands pretty well.
“The characteristics of the circuit are quite similar to the last round in Montréal,” he claimed. “Especially the long straights with the need for a high-top speed, as well as heavy braking zones.”
Revealing how drivers prepare for a track on which they have limited knowledge, the German explained: “Completing laps on the simulator is a good starting point, and we’ll be spending a day at Enstone going through set-ups and trying to get some data on board before we head there.
“Friday practice is going be important for all teams and drivers to get up to speed of learning a new circuit, but that’s a challenge I look forward to and I’ll be doing my best to discover some secrets!”
As for the opportunity to represent Renault in France, the Hulk added: “I’m very much looking forward to racing at Circuit Paul Ricard. It’s been a long time coming for Renault, ten years since their last race on home soil
“I’m carrying that extra level of motivation to do the job proud on track. I know how much this means to the staff members of the team!”
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Teammate Sainz also expected an “extra boost” but also called on Renault to continue the strong momentum they have built in recent races.
“We need to keep developing the car at this rate. Everything we are bringing to the circuit is working and I feel we are making good progress.
“This is translating into points, shown at the past few races. It’s good to be consistent and to keep picking up points at every race.
“That’s the target every weekend, so let’s make it six in a row in France!”