Daniel Ricciardo has indicated results may not be the main priority with Renault next season, with the focus more on ensuring progress.
The Australian has taken the bold decision to leave a race-winning team in Red Bull for the French manufacturer, believing the future potential could be greater at Enstone than Milton Keynes.
Indeed, the squad has targeted victories themselves in Formula 1 by 2020 although, based on the performance level this past season, that may seem ambitious with Renault still mired in the midfield despite finishing fourth in the Constructors’ standings.
Aware that next year will likely be another where ‘best of the rest’ is the most likely finish, Ricciardo is simply eager to put his mark on the team.
“Nico [Hulkenberg]’s experienced and he’s been around and I want to expect myself to become part of that team very quickly, have a presence in the team and be another source of push, fire and motivation,” he declared and was quoted by GPFans.com.
“I’m expecting to carry good work ethic and to bring the people around us to build on what they have. The driving I will always try to keep improving, but really try to figure out the best way to bring the team to the next level.”
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Improvements will have to be in every area to do so but particularly the engine which is at risk at becoming the worst on the grid as Honda makes substantial gains.
But also the chassis, while strong compared to the midfield, remains still some way off the top three teams although new regulations around the wings and bargeboards could provide an opportunity to close that gap.