Renault elated after first top four finish in 15 years

Renault are understandably over the moon with the results of the Bahrain Grand Prix, which saw Renault power lock out the top four positions. The last time this was achieved was 15 years ago in 1997, when Williams and Benetton locked out the top four at the 1997 Luxembourg Grand Prix.

Renault power has had a recent run of good form in Formula 1, after not only winning the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship in 2005 and 2006, but also with Red Bull as their engine suppliers in 2010 and 2011. However, throughout this period of success for Renault, they never achieved a quadruple top finish.

“It was fantastic today. We made a really solid race with a good start and after that we just had to manage the first position for Sebastian.” Explained Cyril Dumont of Renault, “For Renault, it’s a fantastic result, and I think we have to go back 15 years to find the last quadruple top finish in F1. The last was in ’97, so I would like to congratulate everyone from Viry, from Renault and from Mechachrome for a very good job.”

Renault also power Williams and Caterham, however their separate fortunes were slightly contrasting come the end of the race. Caterham are continuing to improve, with the addition of Renault power assisting them greatly. Whereas Williams, after an impressive opening few races, suffered a double retirement only a week after completing a double points finish in China.

With Renault seemingly having all aspects of the 2012 grid covered, it could well turn out to be another successful year for the French supplier. With both Red Bull and Lotus undeniably capable of being highly competitive in 2012 and fighting for victories, Williams engrossed in the midfield and Caterham beginning to knock on the midfield’s door, it’s all smiles at Renault as they head to the fifth round of the 2012 season.

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