No ’fantastic results’ straight away - Renault

Renault’s F1 chief has joined 2016 driver Jolyon Palmer in playing down the newly re-established works team’s hopes for next season.

After acting only as an engine supplier in recent years, the French carmaker has bought back its old Enstone based team from Lotus.

But Briton Palmer, signed up to race next year, told the January edition of F1 Racing magazine: "I don’t think there’ll be fireworks straight away.

"They’ll secure the team financially and will be fully motivated to do a good job."

Cyril Abiteboul, to hold the position of the team’s managing director, agrees with Palmer’s assessment, telling the BBC there is "no way you can expect fantastic results" immediately.

"We’ve a clear plan, not only for next year but for years to come. The target for next year, it is not just about scoring points in the championship," he said.

"If that is your question, we need to be humble in our expectations for next year," the Frenchman added.