Kevin Magnussen believes he can score Renault’s first points of the season as soon as he has a “normal race”.
“I really want to get those first points on the board,” said Magnussen. “Give me a normal race with no puncture and no penalty and I think we can do that.”
Magnussen picked up a puncture on the first lap of the Australian Grand Prix and finished 12th. In Bahrain he finished 11th having started the race from the pit lane.
He said it was “pretty frustrating” not to have scored any points in the first two races.
“That’s how it is in racing sometimes, but we are very close so that does give motivation. The car feels really good. Of course, we want more downforce and more power, but show me a race driver who doesn’t ask for that.”
“Naturally I’m enjoying being back behind the wheel, pushing hard and overtaking, but you have so much work to do from the back that you can have a very strong race yet still finish in eleventh. If we start further up the order and don’t have a first lap incident good things can happen.”
However he warned the next track on the calendar won’t play to Renault’s strengths.
“We know our weaknesses and perhaps Shanghai’s not going to be the friendliest track for us in terms of these but I still think that if we have a good race we can challenge for points,” he added.
Michael (@freelittlebirds)
8th April 2016, 18:58
Not sure if it’ll be easy for Renault – you have Mercedes, Ferrari, RB, Williams, Toro Rosso – that’s 10 right there. And they have to beat McLaren, Haas and Force India (another 6 right there). Even Manor looks much better this year.
Ashwin (@redbullf1)
8th April 2016, 20:03
Agree ! Renault look like they are somewhere lower than the midfield.
The might get lucky in 2 or 3 races though and if Magnussen drives consistently !
Sonics (@sonicslv)
9th April 2016, 4:25
@freelittlebirds Actually looking at first 2 races, it seems Renault is the slowest team now, alongside with Force India/Manor on race pace. The problem for Renault and FI is they don’t have much improvement from last year while the rest of the field gains lot of it.
Sonics (@sonicslv)
9th April 2016, 4:44
Actuallly I forgot about Sauber, so Renault is the 2nd worst team now :p.
SauberS1 (@saubers1)
8th April 2016, 20:13
He need to get those points!
ILuvSoundtracks (@)
9th April 2016, 13:28
I agree with that!
NewVerstappenFan (@jureo)
8th April 2016, 23:31
No problem… This is a team that did a podium every year for ages… Scored a podium while creditors had warant to sieze the cars… Points should be achievable.
And Paddy Lowe claims their engine is stronger than 2015 Ferrari.
Sensord4notbeingafanboi (@peartree)
9th April 2016, 3:14
It was clear at aus that palmer had the measure of the str even after drs. Renault might be close to becoming #2 pu again. Anyhow shanghai shouldnt suit renault so only after the european upgrades is renault going to have a chance.
Maza Raap (@maza)
9th April 2016, 8:25
… But first lap crash is a normal race to Magnussen ….
Sir Lance a lot
11th April 2016, 19:03
Meaning…..??
Tom
9th April 2016, 22:17
I just love looking at that Renault. It makes me cry it’s so beautiful. Something about that yellow that’s just so..mmmmmm