Renault show RS20 glimpses in black ‘testing livery’

Mark Scott
Renault RS20

Renault RS20

Hot on the heels of Red Bull, Renault has officially launched their 2020 challenger – the RS20 – at a special team event in Paris, France.

Following the lavish Ferrari ceremony on Tuesday evening, we were back to more muted launches with Red Bull revealing a single studio shot of the new RB16 which was not decked out in its usual camo livery.

As Red Bull completed a private shakedown at Silverstone, their former engine partners were kickstarting their 2020 season across the English Channel.

Renault kept their cards closer to their chest compared to others, with fans unable to tune into a live stream of an event. The Enstone team also opted not to bring a RS20 physically to the event.

Instead they released a few images of the car, but only in a black ‘testing livery’ for now, which the team hopes will challenge for podiums and best of the rest in 2020.

But while the car wasn’t present, drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon were at the event, as was team principal, Cyril Abiteboul, executive director, Marcin Budkowski, chassis and engine technical directors, Pat Fry and Remi Taffin, and special advisor, Alain Prost.

Abiteboul spoke of the challenges that Renault face this season as the team juggles preparing for 2021’s new rules against doing their best this season.

“This year must see us setting the best possible course for the major regulation changes for 2021,” he said.

“The organisational changes made in the second half of 2019 are with this firmly in mine.

“We approach this new season with humility and ambition.

“Humility as the challenge is huge for every team, every coming year and we are not the exceptions.”

Renault want to "take back" P4 in 2020.

This season will mark Ricciardo’s second at Renault, having switched to the Enstone team from Red Bull at the end of 2018.

His first year at Renault did not yield the results the Aussie had wanted, however, he is hopeful of better this year.

“I’m looking forward to blending into the team better on the back of having a full season behind us,” he said.

“Things are going to be easier in that sense.

“I learnt a lot about myself and obviously a lot about the team.”

Renault RS20
Negative public reaction caused Renault to ditch launch concept.

Follow us on Twitter @Planet_F1 and like our Facebook page.