Renault has returned to their yellow and black livery for 2020 after an unveiling event in Melbourne on Wednesday.
The French manufacturer had completed testing in an all-black colour scheme which proved popular with fans, but as with all pre-season liveries in recent years, it is now a thing of a past and the traditional look is back.
The launch came at the same time Renault announced a new collaboration with DP World, with the Dubai-based trade company becoming a title sponsor and global logistics partner.
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On the track, Renault head to the Australian Grand Prix looking to build early momentum after a tricky 2019, which saw them drop to fifth in the Constructors’ standings.
But team boss Cyril Abiteboul knows in the ever-competitive midfield environment, quite literally anything could happen as the pecking order is revealed.
“The start of a Formula 1 season is always a very exciting time,” he said.
“After a good end to pre-season testing in Barcelona, we head to Australia with ambition but with a hint of caution given the relative unknown of the competition level of our rivals.
“The first race is the time everyone on the grid shows their true hand.
“We are as best prepared as we can be for the start of the year thanks to the hard work across Enstone and Viry over the winter months.
“These efforts were exemplified in pre-season testing with solid engine reliability and a performance level, which fitted with what we expected to see.
“Now we aim to see the benefits of our preparation come to fruition at a race weekend.”
A trip to Melbourne is also always a trip home for Daniel Ricciardo, who will be looking to rebound from a horrible race last year when he lost his front wing just metres after the lights went out before later retiring.
“It’s a special feeling racing at home in Australia,” he said, “I’m away from home for so long during the year, so it’s nice to spend time here with friends and family.
“The Australian fans are great, and you can really feel their support and use it as extra motivation. I’ve not always had the best race in Melbourne, so I’m looking to try and correct that this year and deliver a strong weekend with Renault.”
Across the garage, there is also a return to the grid for Esteban Ocon after his year on the sidelines in 2019.
“It feels fantastic to be heading into a race weekend. It’s been a while since I’ve had to get into that competitive mindset, so it’s very exciting to be doing that again,” the Frenchman admitted.
“I’ve had a solid winter training programme, which began especially early to be ready for this challenge and I feel like I’m in good shape.
“I’ve settled well into the team and that began in December with the test in Abu Dhabi, followed by regular simulator days and, recently, pre-season testing in Barcelona.
It’s great to be preparing for a season with everything tailor-made for you. I’m ready, I’m pumped, and I can’t wait to get to Melbourne!”