Renault will get 0.20 seconds advantage per lap through six small upgrades: Formula 1 News
Renault’s technical director, James Allison thinks that their R31 will get almost 0.15-0.20 seconds advantage per lap after a total of six small upgrades were added prior to the Spanish Grand Prix, which is to be held in the last week of May.
James added that the overall performance of the Renault’s duo, Nick Heidfeld and Vitaly Petrov is impressive, but some higher points landings are expected of them.
James stated, “We bring another handful of aerodynamic upgrades for the next race there are six in total and they add up to another 0.15-0.20 seconds per lap. It isn’t a huge upgrade but if we can keep that up for every race then it starts to tell.”
He further added that Renault’s duo have done well in the opening four rounds of the 2011 Formula 1 season, but a little more was expected.
“Having both cars in the points, nose to tail is satisfying. All of us would have preferred it to be closer to the front, but its okay and probably a fair reflection of the pace of the car,” said James.
So far the upgrades in the Renault's car have surprised many teams because surprisingly they are now in the top five teams. Their innovative exhaust solution was seen as one of the greatest ideas and many teams benefited from them.
Still James thinks that for every new race, Renault should have something surprising for their rivals, if they are to be among points.
Talking about the Spanish Grand Prix, James said that the key factor will be the Pirelli tyres and the Pit stop strategy. He said that Renault will get almost 10 seconds from their upgrades and one bad pit-stop will ruin that advantage.
There has not been a handsome number of overtaking on the Barcelona track in recent times, but James think that hopefully DRS (Drag Reduction System) will help to break that myth.
The free practice sessions of the Barcelona race will be contested on May 20, which will be followed by the qualifiers and race.
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