Renault brings new front wing to Japanese GP

Renault will bring a new front wing as part of a small aerodynamic upgrade package to this weekend’s Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix.

The French manufacturer is locked in a hotly-contested battle with McLaren to secure fourth spot in the constructors’ championship, with Renault currently trailing its customer team by 33 points. 

In its continued bid to overhaul the deficit with five rounds remaining, Renault will introduce a host of “subtle” changes to its R.S.19 at Suzuka, including an updated front wing, as well as a revised chassis wing.

“We are bringing a new front wing to Suzuka,” said Renault technical director Nick Chester

“We also have a new chassis wing - externally the changes are pretty subtle, but we expect more downforce and grip as a result.”

Nico Hulkenberg has managed the team’s only top 10 appearances in the last two races in Singapore and Russia, but McLaren pair Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr have bettered the Renault duo’s results on both occasions.

“It’s obvious we missed out on points in Singapore and Russia and that’s frustrating given our competitive pace and qualifying positions,” Hulkenberg conceded.

“We’re still in the battle for fourth. We have to focus race by race and extract everything from the weekend.

“Our Sunday’s especially have to be cleaner, but that’s down to a range of factors: on my side, on the team’s side and some things we can’t control. We have to target big points in Japan.”

Teammate Daniel Ricciardo, who has failed to score points since taking a brilliant fourth place at Monza, added: “Leaving without points from the last two races is disappointing and probably not what we deserve.

“We have been looking quick and should have scored much more than we did. We can’t reflect too much on it, all we can do is focus on Japan and ensuring we do a good job there.

“It’s important we come away with something to keep in the race for fourth. We know it’s going to be tough, but we won’t give up.”