Renault power unit operating at ‘more than 950HP’

Following the reveal of the new Renault R.S.18, the Enstone-based team claim their power unit is operating at more than 950HP.

The figure was included as part of their spec details for the 2018 challenger, but it is reliability that Renault want to focus on given they supply two high-profile customers in Red Bull and McLaren, and will be working under tighter restrictions given they have just three penalty-free engines to work with.

“We need a strong reliability record,” said Bell.

“That’s something we need to focus on, and we have worked hard on it over the winter. We need the car as reliable as we can make it.

“That’s a huge challenge, even more so than performance development, and it’s the toughest task we face.

“To improve reliability, we have to accept nothing less than perfection. Anything that ends up on the car needs to be designed and built to the highest standard; checked and rechecked as fit for purpose.

“All the issues which blighted us last year need to be eradicated by a fresh approach. It’s not something however that you can flick on like a switch, you need well established processes in place.”