Press Kit 2018 // FOREWORD It is a great source of pride for Groupe Renault and its employees to see the Renault name once again working its way to the sharp end of Formula 1. Motor racing is an intrinsic part of the Renault DNA and from Formula E races in cities to rallying through to Formula 1, we have always achieved outstanding results. Renault Sport Formula One Team’s ambition is clearly to uphold the outstanding record of the past and the 2017 season has confirmed we are on the right track. We are a team on the rise. We have two very talented drivers who are hungry for results. Enstone is regenerated and the workforce has already increased by more than 35%. At Viry, our long-term commitment in several motorsport categories allows to develop a detailed plan for our facilities. Our investment has so far been successfully translated to the track as we rose from ninth to sixth in the Constructors’ Championship in 2017 and ended the year with the fourth fastest car. The success of the programme in just two years is testament to the resilient plan laid down early in the creation of the team and the strong job done by Cyril and the entire Renault Sport Racing teams. I am convinced year three will take us one step closer to the long-term aim: winning races and challenging for championships. We are equally satisfied with the results we are seeing off-track. Formula 1’s new owners, have developed various marketing initiatives that have enabled the sport to grow into an even bigger brand and engage more closely with fans; steps forward which are incredibly important for us as the only mass market car constructor in the sport. Naturally one innovation we are delighted to see is the return of the French Grand Prix. Absent from the calendar for ten years, we have really felt its loss as a French manufacturer. But its comeback will give yet another opportunity for us to meet our fans and push the Renault brand. Our clients are also feeling the benefits of our accrued technical experience, with innovations crossing over from track to road at a rapid and increasing rate. There is constant dialogue between the teams at Renault and Renault Sport Formula One Team to improve the road-going experience of Renault Sport users. This will only grow as our participation in Formula 1 lengthens. The improved draw of the sport and our increasingly visible position within it, has created a strong marketing platform for both Groupe Renault and our valued partners. We are proud to be joined by partners such as BP Castrol, Infiniti, MAPFRE and RCI Bank, but also Microsoft, EURODATACAR, Estrella Galicia, Bell & Ross and many others. We look forward to another successful year, both on and off-track. Jérôme Stoll, President of Renault Sport Racing 02 //////// // Q&A WITH CYRIL ABITEBOUL Managing Director Cyril Abiteboul ensures all aspects of Renault Sport Racing are structured, resourced and working to their optimum to deliver on their performance potential. He also sets the commercial, marketing and communication targets to ensure Groupe Renault takes full advantage of its Formula 1 activities. Since he re-joined Renault in July 2014 to become Managing Director of Renault Sport F1 and successfully spear-headed the analysis of reacquiring and restarting a team for the Renault brand to continue its long F1 tradition. Since then, Renault Sport Formula One Team has grown to be the most dynamic team on the F1 grid, with high ambitions. Q&A Cyril Abiteboul Managing Director of Renault Sport Racing How would you evaluate the 2017 season for Renault Sport Formula One Team? Last year was successful in many ways. It was the second year in our rebuilding and a further step towards our long-term plans and aims. 2016 was all about recruiting, investing, bringing in new sponsors, new talents and building our brand. // Over the past year I’ve seen progression in many areas: ninth to sixth in the standings – in many races we were often the fourth fastest team on the grid. This is a testament to our drive, commitment and adherence to a very ambitious plan. It was a quantified progression towards what we want to become and challenging the top teams. We saw a lot of development away from the track too. What were the key updates? We have two facilities with distinct purposes and histories. In Enstone, it’s about modernising and going forward. Amongst several projects, we have acquired new machine tools, the composite department has moved forward a great deal, a paint shop area was created, CFD facilities came on line and we have built new working environments to accommodate our burgeoning workforce. We have recruited over 100 people in the past year, with some very respected names joining the ranks. More will join us over the coming months. The stability of Viry gives us a platform on which we can build and go forward. We have a streamlined team with effective practices and management that allow us to produce power units that are capable of challenging for wins. The best endorsement for the quality of the engine is that Red Bull Racing and McLaren have chosen Renault. I am also pleased to see that the two sides are working better and better together. The best example came in Abu Dhabi at the last race of the season; we knew we had a hard task to finish in sixth, but Viry and Enstone functioned as one, mobilised exceptionally well, and got the job done. 03 ////// // How do you rate the driver line-up for 2018? You have a burgeoning sponsor portfolio as well. Is this a very strong competitors and that’s an extra challenge and We have everything to be positive about this year. We have two sign of the growing strength of Renault Sport Formula motivation. They will clearly be our benchmarks for performance very talented and ambitious drivers. One Team? this season. Last year we had some big names joining us and we’re pleased Last year Nico gave us exactly what we needed with his to say that what they have experienced with us last season has What’s the plan, the target, the desire for 2018? convinced them to make long term commitments to our team Our headline target is to show continued progression through Carlos joined us at the end of the season and we thought long results. We want to be able to showcase our progression in every regard; power unit, chassis, operations, drivers. Everything a human side as well as a technical side, but I think it came at & Ross are all valued partners supporting us in this journey, must improve and we must continue to grow. We want to the right time and it was well executed. He brought something and we are glad to see them all staying on with us; it shows fresh at the end of the year, and he scored points to help us in the merit and credibility of our project and the ambitions we be directly racing against, to the gap to the leaders, including have. We are also glad to welcome new partners such as Tmall also our fan base and the respect that our team will inspire in and le coq sportif to bring innovative marketing experience to our team. We hope to reward our partners well. There’s a lot of They have become incredible team members who have built promise for the years ahead. How important is the return of the French Grand Prix? up strong relationships within Renault Sport Formula One The French Grand Prix is the cherry on the cake of our Team. Their feedback has been invaluable in honing the Renault The Renault Sport power unit will be seen in action with programme. We are a global brand with a strong French R.S.18 and their skill shines every time they exit the garage. two other teams: McLaren and Red Bull Racing. How heritage. We are registered as a French entrant to the important is engine supply to Renault? championship. If one day we win, it will be the French of the car. Our strategy in Formula 1 is very clear. We are in Formula 1 as a national anthem we hear. We are not quite there yet, but the full works team. The marketing value is associated to the works French Grand Prix will be an amazing moment for us. For the team and that’s clear. French Grand Prix, Renault is a partner and we’re working and Reserve Driver? hard with the organisers and Formula 1 to create more Jack has been nurtured in the Renault Sport Academy so we’ve However, power unit technology is at the heart of what we opportunities for engagement with the fans. That connection seen his development over the past couple of years. It is clear with the fans will be strong and give extra energy to the he’s a talented young driver and he is ready for this opportunity. supplying engines to the best teams and best drivers, securing team. He has a full season ahead of him with racing in Formula 2 many successful results with Formula 1 teams, from Williams to Red Bull. It’s natural to continue that history and stay true to We also have other special races over the course of the environment to reach his targets and we are keen on seeing him that legacy. season: Silverstone is just down the road from Enstone, in action.