Brendan Lines

February 13, 2020

We’ve finally got a brief glimpse of the car Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo will race at Albert Park as Renault held its season opener at Groupe Renault’s flagship store, L’Atelier Renault yesterday in Paris.

It was the first time Ricciardo was presented alongside new team mate Esteban Ocon and new Technical Director Pat Fry.

Images of the the R.S20 were teased in its test livery, but the stealthy look of the R.S.20 did not give a lot away — fans will have to wait for the car to break cover fully at pre- season testing in Barcelona on February 16th.

Above: The R.S.20 in stealthy test livery – Image: Renault Sport

2020 will be Ricciardo’s second season with the french outfit, looking his always happy go lucky self at the event, Ricciardo says he is more at ease with his team and focused on the season ahead.

“I’m looking forward to blending into the team better on the back of having a full season behind us – so things are going to be easier in that sense. I learnt a lot about myself and obviously a lot about the team. One of the most important learnings for me was that it’s not just about having the smartest guy in the Formula 1 paddock – you need every individual across the team getting the most out of themselves. With the people I work closest with it’s about trying to find a way they work best, trying to help them be their best selves, and then also figuring out where I can perform the best on the day. I’ve enjoyed this experience so far and building something with Renault,” he said.

Dan Ricciardo speaking at Renault’s season launch with Esteban Ocon (left) and Alain Prost (far right) – Image: Renault Sport

Renault who invested and expanded heavily over the past two season, is now at its consolidation phase in F1.

Team Principle Cyril Abiteboul said at the event its vital Renault claim back fourth spot in the Constructors Championship, after being pipped by the resurgent McLaren in 2019.

“Taking back fourth position in the Constructors’ Championship remains the objective over a season that will be more hotly-contested than ever.

“For the coming season, we must respect the three priorities identified during the off-season: reliability from the get-go; ensure a high level of development very early in the season and have a good conversion rate on track. However, we also need to regain confidence and reinforce team spirit to get the best from everyone, and to maximise our chances each race weekend during this unprecedented long and challenging season.

“2020 is also a pivotal year that marks the end of one cycle and the preparatory phase of another. This year must see us setting the best possible course for the major regulation changes of 2021. The organisational changes made in the second half of 2019 are with this firmly in mind.”

After a disappointing retirement on the first lap at his home Grand Prix last year Ricciardo’s hopes are now pinned on the R.S.20 being the machine to right the wrongs of the past after his disqualification from second place at Albert Park in 2014.

Just exactly what version of the R.S.20 lines up on the grid remains to be seen after testing begins on February 16th.