Renault: “Impossible to catch up on Mercedes in 2014”

We are not yet halfway through the 2014 season but Renault already knows that it cannot catch up on Mercedes. According to Rob White, head of the French engine manufacturer, it is effectively impossible to have major changes in terms of performance due to the homologation rules imposed by the FIA ​​which basically freeze engines at the start of the season.

“The possibilities for changing engine specifications during the season are extremely limited,” said White. “We are pushing for next year” she explained in an interview with Autosprint. “To have a wider margin for development. At the moment it is not possible to change the specifications of the power unit without the consent of the FIA, and the Federation does not grant permission for performance reasons,” explained White.

However, White said Renault had managed to make "significant improvements" over the crisis suffered in pre-season testing. “But the changes will be more long-term,” she added. “We are certainly not making excuses, because the rules are the same for everyone and we must respect what others have done.”

Meanwhile, the president of Renault Sport F1, Jean-Michel Jalinier, downplayed the rumors of a Red Bull now impatient and looking for alternatives: "The collaboration is very intense" he explained to Speed ​​Week. “And we are in contact every day. In terms of work everything goes smoothly. The atmosphere is good and constructive."