Red Bull unveil RB16 while Renault offer glimpse of R.S.20

Red Bull Racing unveiled their Honda-powered RB16 racer in a shakedown at Silverstone while Renault F1 Team offered a glimpse of it’s R.S.20 which hasn’t been built yet.

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda RB16 Max Verstappen, #33, Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom, Image credit to Red Bull Racing. — Max Verstappen, #33, testing the new Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda RB16 in a shakedown at Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom, Image credit to Red Bull Racing.

Red Bull Racing unveil RB16 in a shakedown at Silverstone

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing released their Honda-powered RB16 at Silverstone Circuit one week before testing gets underway in Barcelona.

Firstly, the Milton Keynes based-outfit showcased it’s online rendered image of the RB16 before photos and video of its initial run from Silverstone surfaced the net through it’s social media platforms.

It was an official filming day for Red Bull, with the team allowed to run 100 kilometres on specified demo tyres.

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda RB16 rendered image, Image credit to Red Bull Racing. — Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda RB16 rendered image. Image credit to Red Bull Racing.

With winter testing just around the corner and reduced to six days, they made sure the car was mechanically sound before heading to Spain.

Max Verstappen took the honour of piloting the new office for the first time, and reflected on his sense of anticipation when he arrived at Silverstone.

“It’s been quite a while since the last time I was in an F1 car and I was really looking forward to it this morning,” explained Verstappen. “Once you fire up, you’re back into the procedure, but before then, there’s always a sense of anticipation about what the new car and the new engine will feel like.” Credit to Red Bull Racing for the quote.

Using Silverstone’s 2.638 kilometre National Circuit, Verstappen completed the running without issue, with the film crew and photographers getting good shots and closeups of the Honda-powered RB16 and the engineers grabbed valuable data to study.

“Of course, it’s just a filming day but the important thing is getting the car running, finding out what it’s like, discovering any minor issues – basically getting everything up to speed before we get to Barcelona. Luckily, today everything went smoothly.” Verstappen concluded. Credit to Red Bull Racing for the quote.

The Dutchman had plenty of company in the Silverstone garage, with team-mate Alexander Albon ready to get behind the wheel of the RB16 before getting his chance to drive it at Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya next week.

“For me, it’s important to be here and get the initial feedback first-hand from Max and the rest of the Team,” explained Albon. “We’re embracing the cold! – but everything seems to be running pretty smoothly and looking good for Barcelona. Obviously, it’s only a filming day but it’s still quite exciting – and I’m really looking forward to driving the car once winter testing begins.” Credit to Red Bull Racing for the quote.

Whilst previous years before, the Milton Keynes based-squad showcased camo liveries and dazzling paint, the decision was made to run it’s 2020 race livery.

“We had a great debut season with Honda and the partnership has only got stronger and stronger,” said Team Principal Christian Horner. “It’s been a really positive winter, and the effort that’s gone in behind the scenes has been truly impressive. Further steps have been made on both the power unit and the chassis side. The integration of the power unit fully into the car now is a work of art – and it’s nice to see it in what is now an iconic livery.” Credit to Red Bull Racing for the quote.

With the filming day complete, the team will undergo further data study before to prepare for it’s two three-day tests, which begins next Wednesday at the Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain.

Renault F1 Team release glimpse of it’s R.S.20 at 2020 campaign event

Renault F1 Team R.S.20 glimpse image, Image credit to Renault Sport.

Renault F1 Team launched it’s 2020 campaign at a season-opening event on the Champs-Elysees, Paris at Groupe Renault’s store, L’Atelier Renault and offered a glimpse of it’s R.S.20.

The team driver lineup of Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon were unveiled for the first time in Renault colours to media and sponsors, along with new Technical Director Pat Fry.

Sneak peeks of it’s 2020 contender, the R.S.20 in it’s all-black testing livery were shown to the audience, which will be fully revealed, along with it’s E-Tech 20 power-train at pre-season testing in Barcelona next week.

The 2020 Renault Academy Drivers were also in attendance at the event as they prepare for a thrilling year in FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3 and the Formula Renault European Cup.

“This year, Renault will continue its very proud and long-standing history in Formula 1 into a new decade, our sixth consecutive in the sport,” Renault Sport Racing President Jerome Stoll explained. “2020 is a significant year in a number of ways.”

“We aim to recapture the positive momentum from our first three years since returning to Formula 1 while preparing for next season, which will represent a new cycle for all teams. Having completed our initial construction phase, we are more determined than ever to be ready to attack and take advantage of the 2021 technical changes. I have every faith in the teams across Enstone and Viry to challenge once more for fourth in the Constructors’ Championship this year, plus ensure the coming era is anticipated successfully for both the team and Renault brand.” Stoll concluded. Credit to Renault Sport for the quote.

The team is close to reaching the climax of it’s Formula One programme, investing heavily with new personnel and state of the art technology across it’s chassis base in Enstone, United Kingdom and their engine headquarters in Viry-Chatillon, France to achieve it’s plan of once again claiming Formula 1 Driver’s and Constructors Championship titles.

Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul commented:

“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.” Credit to Renault Sport for the quote.

Daniel Ricciardo enters his second season with the Enstone-based squad and explained his motivation to succeed on track in this 2020 campaign:

“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.” Credit to Renault Sport for the quote.

Esteban Ocon is keen to jump in the R.S.20 racer as he marks his return to Renault, which gave him his first taste of Formula 1 in his teenage years.

“It’s very exciting and I can’t wait to test the new car in Barcelona. We’ve had a lot of time to prepare, and I’m feeling ready for the challenge. I’m really looking forward to racing again – back where I want to be – after waiting for a year. There are a lot of new items on this year’s car and the guys have been working hard to find some additional performance. It’s all about details in Formula 1 and I’ve seen quite a lot of details on the Renault R.S.20. It’s exciting to see the design but the next thing you want is to be behind the wheel and feeling what it’s like.” Credit to Renault Sport for the quote.

Ricciardo and Ocon are ready to hit the ground running in the R.S.20 when Formula 1 pre-season testing begins next week at the Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain from February 19-21 and February 26-28.

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