Latest F1 news in brief – Wednesday

• Jolyon Palmer – it's good to have dreams

  F1 team could 'do a Brawn' – Palmer

• Abiteboul: Renault 'fastest-growing team'
• Prost becomes Renault team advisor
• I still believe in Ferrari – Vettel
• Marchionne plays down loss of engineers
• Ferrari splits with reserve Vergne
• Villeneuve tips Vettel to shine in 2017
• Mercedes 'curious' to see Honda progress
• Big teams deserve more money – Marko
• Hype to keep Sahara Force India energized in 2017
• Force India finalizes Barcelona test line-up
• Bell: RS17 'first real Renault' of new era

F1 team could 'do a Brawn' – Palmer
(GMM) Jolyon Palmer is not ruling out the possibility a F1 team could "do a Brawn" in 2017.

He is referring to 2009, when after Honda suddenly withdrew from F1, Ross Brawn's new privateer team stunned the F1 world by winning the title thanks to the 'double diffuser' innovation.

Actually, Palmer's works Renault team is targeting the top 5 this year, as it builds back up following the near collapse of its predecessor Lotus in 2015.

But the British driver said at the reveal of Renault's yellow and black 2017 car on Tuesday: "Some of my mates have been saying 'Imagine if you can do a Brawn'.

"It is possible," he is quoted by the Times. "It is a completely blank set of regulations. Compared to the last few years it is a real chance for someone to upset the form book."

Indeed, Renault has taken a bold step with its engine for 2017, changing "95 per cent" of the power unit.

Technical boss Bob Bell said the unit is now "more or less with Ferrari".

"They've had a big winter," confirmed Renault customer Red Bull's Christian Horner. "We're hoping for a step in performance."

But Palmer's new teammate, Nico Hulkenberg, is realistic about what the works team can achieve in 2017 with its car-engine package.

"If you see where we were last year, then we have quite a bit of catching up to do," he told the German newspaper Bild.

"I think Mercedes and Red Bull will continue to set the pace."

Abiteboul: Renault 'fastest-growing team'

Renault brass Bell, Abiteboul and Stoll

Renault is the "fastest-growing" team in Formula 1 as it attempts to return to the front of the grid, according to the brand's Managing Director, Cyril Abiteboul.

Renault began its latest spell as a full works team in 2016, having acquired Lotus, and struggled to ninth in the championship standings with an underdeveloped car.

However, there was plenty of activity behind-the-scenes, with an array of key technical signings arriving and being announced, while focus switched to 2017 early in the year.

Speaking after the launch of Renault's new challenger, the RS17, in London on Tuesday, Abiteboul commented: "We are the fastest-growing team in the grid.

"We have increased headcount by approximately 25 per cent in Enstone and in Viry-Shetland.

"We have recruited great talents from the best teams who have either joined us or will be over the next year or soby approximately 25 per cent in Enstone and in Viry-Chatillon.

"We have a few more key personnel still to come.

"We have accelerated our investment by a factor of the what the tops teams are usually spending to accelerate the transformation in Enstone and in Viry.

"In some sectors, we have not only caught up, but we are actually leading in terms of facilities.

"We have the fastest-growing fan base on social media."

Renault has set itself the target of finishing fifth in the standings this year.

On the importance of 2017 to Renault, Abiteboul said: "This will be the first season where we are operating from the outset as one team, so it is a good foundation year.

"Last year saw us use a car which was put together in a very rapid timeframe. This year we have been able to work on our car in an integrated fashion between Enstone and Viry.

"This car and this season should see us achieve strong progress."

He added: "The expectations are significant, though equally, we are still growing and the fruits of new personnel and new infrastructure do take time to filter through.

"In terms of performance, we will be a lot faster than last year, that's for sure."

Prost becomes Renault team advisor

Alain Prost

(GMM) F1 legend Alain Prost has stepped up his role with the works Renault team for 2017.

Earlier, the quadruple world champion was simply a brand ambassador, but he will now be a consultant or advisor.

"It is important that Renault is competitive and will win races eventually," said the 61-year-old.

"My role is more in the background, which is a good situation, and together with Jerome (Stoll) and Cyril (Abiteboul) we will implement the best possible strategy so that we will be a winner in the future."

The F1 world will begin to discover the outcome of its vastly different technical rules from next week in Barcelona, when official testing starts.

"I will be in Barcelona," Prost revealed, "and I am curious about what the drivers will say after the first laps.

"I think we need a new cycle, these cars will be very spectacular and I hope we can win new fans."

I still believe in Ferrari – Vettel

Vettel knows it's hopeless at Ferrari but he cannot say that to the media

(GMM) Sebastian Vettel says he still 'believes' in his dream of becoming world champion with Ferrari.

After the fabled team took a step backwards in 2016, current world champion Nico Rosberg said Vettel must now be considering linking up with Mercedes for 2018.

But German Vettel said he is sticking with his Ferrari plan.

"I am continuing to pursue my plan to become world champion with Ferrari," he told Die Welt newspaper.

"I still believe I can and I still believe in them," said the 29-year-old.

Vettel's father Norbert also thinks the Ferrari plan is still on track, saying: "When Seb is convinced of something, he fights for it like a lion.

"And if it doesn't work out, Sebastian believes even more in his goals. To give up is not him," he added.

Others, however, are losing faith in Ferrari, like Bernie Ecclestone who said recently that the team has slipped back into its overly-Italian ways of the past.

But Vettel says Ferrari are still building towards the top.

"I did not switch to Ferrari to become world champion as soon as possible," he insisted. "It was clear to me that success would not be automatic and that the goal would not be easy.

"The situation at Ferrari now is no big surprise to me. But when I look back on 2016, I am convinced that Ferrari and I are on the right track.

"The team is now much more developed than many people believe. That is why I am convinced that we will achieve the goals that we set for ourselves," said Vettel.

As for whether that goal is achievable in 2017, Vettel answered: "That is always the question to which no one has an answer.

"But we have learned a lot of lessons in the past that will make us much stronger in the future. The gap to Mercedes become smaller in 2016, but it is also true that the season did not go smoothly for Ferrari.

"What annoys me is that the results are not correctly interpreted. The criticism is not justified. Ferrari has made very large progress, considering that we are fighting against teams that did not have to make such fundamental internal changes," he added.

Marchionne plays down loss of engineers

Marchionne was too cheap to open the Ferrari purse strings and steal back Aldo Costa from Mercedes

(GMM) Sergio Marchionne has played down some high-profile personnel losses at Ferrari.

Ferrari took a step back in 2016 and some believe the fabled Italian team is now handicapped by some of its inefficient practices of the past.

President Marchionne, however, is more upbeat, even though he is refusing to set public goals for 2017 after "looking silly" in that area last year.

"Since August, our way of working has changed," the Italian-Canadian is quoted by Germany's Auto Bild.

"We are now investing our money and resources in the right areas. It's true that we've lost a few engineers we did not want to lose, but that's going to happen in every team."

Marchionne is almost certainly referring to James Allison, who has returned to the UK following the sudden death of his wife, and also aerodynamics chief Dirk de Beer, who has switched to Williams.

But Marchionne said Ferrari was not tempted to try to replace Allison with someone like Mercedes' Paddy Lowe, who has also now moved to Williams.

"We are well enough equipped to not require a superhero to solve all of our problems," he said.

Ferrari splits with reserve Vergne

Jean-Eric Vergne – Formula E is where F1 drivers with little money go to race

(GMM) Jean-Eric Vergne has confirmed that he will no longer work with Ferrari in 2017.

Earlier, the former Toro Rosso driver was Ferrari's reserve driver, but that role has been filled for this year by GP2 runner-up and Italian Antonio Giovinazzi.

"It was clear from the beginning that I would not continue as reserve this season," Frenchman Vergne is quoted by the Italian publication Autosprint.

Vergne, 26, is now focusing on Formula E and admits he is keen to race at Le Mans this year too.

As for Ferrari, he added: "I still have many contacts with Ferrari and good relationships, but I will not go to the races or have the role that I had before."

In other reserve driver news, Williams has re-signed Paul di Resta for 2017, while Renault confirmed speculation that Russian Sergey Sirotkin is stepping up to the role of official reserve this year.

Sirotkin is the centerpiece of the Russian bank SMP's involvement in F1, and the 21-year-old told Sportbox: "Part of my program will be driving in Friday practice.

"I don't think it will surprise anyone that my goal is to get a place as main (race) driver by 2018," Sirotkin added.

Villeneuve tips Vettel to shine in 2017

Villeneuve is clueless. Without Aldo Costa or Adrian Newey designing your car no driver shines in F1.

(GMM) Jacques Villeneuve has tipped Sebastian Vettel to be a standout performer in 2017.

More widely, pundits are naming the Mercedes and Red Bull drivers as the likely pacesetters this year.

But 1997 title winner Villeneuve said fans should also be watching a red car.

"Sebastian's driving style fits perfectly with the new cars," he told Sport Bild.

"Not just that, he is the one who has done the most kilometers with the new tires — by far. This is a clear advantage, especially at the beginning of the season," said the former Williams driver.

Villeneuve, 45, also said he is looking forward to F1's new technical regulations this year, featuring much faster cars and bigger, grippier tires.

"Finally, the days are over when you could go straight from a tricycle to a formula one car," said the French Canadian. "Now these cars need men, not kids."

Mercedes 'curious' to see Honda progress
(GMM) Mercedes' engine chief has admitted to being "curious" to spot Honda's progress of the winter period.

While Mercedes has utterly dominated the 'power unit' era, Honda notably struggled in 2015 and 2016 at the beginning of the works partnership with McLaren.

And Andy Cowell, who is the engine boss at Mercedes, agrees with those who think that engines will still be very important as the chassis and tire regulations change for 2017.

"If you are on the gas for a longer period of time, the importance of the engine obviously increases," he told Auto Motor und Sport.

"But it is now the fourth year with this generation of engines and everyone has learned a lot. I am quite curious about what the other manufacturers and especially Honda have done," said Cowell.

"They are now in their third year, they have established their development department and accumulated a lot of knowledge. I think that would be the time for a big, courageous step."

Indeed, Honda and also Renault have admitted to making fundamental design changes for 2017, which could expose Mercedes to the risk of only being able to tweak its leading engine.

But Cowell said: "What we are doing feels quite aggressive. So we did not just sit back and make only small modifications. Compared to previous years, the changes are considerable."

Big teams deserve more money – Marko

Dr Helmut Marko and Niki Lauda – of course Marko would say that

(GMM) Bigger teams deserve more income because they give more to the sport.

That is the claim of Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko, as the European Commission considers whether to investigate the sport's practices and amid new owner Liberty Media's plans for the next commercial contracts beyond 2020.

Some, however, think the small teams deserve a much more level playing field in the area of income distribution, but Marko doesn't think so.

He told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport: "I don't want to name particular small teams, but Red Bull does a lot of promotion, 'show car' runs, things like this.

"In addition, the 2016 season would have been a relatively bland affair without (Max) Verstappen, and only we had the courage to put him there," Marko added.

Hype to keep Sahara Force India energized in 2017

Hype Energy Drink

Sahara Force India and Hype Energy will continue its successful partnership throughout the 2017 season.

The Hype Energy branding will be shown off when the VJM10 is presented to the world on Wednesday afternoon with Hype Energy logos around the cockpit, on the rear view mirrors, and on the rear wing end plates. Additionally, the Hype Energy logo will be on the drivers’ racing suits, team apparel and team caps.

The extended partnership reflects the success of the collaboration over the last two years as Hype Energy expands into new markets. Formula One is part of Hype Energy’s heritage thanks to current CEO, Bertrand Gachot, who is a former Formula One driver.

Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director, Sahara Force India: “We enjoy a fantastic relationship with Hype Energy and I’m delighted we are continuing the partnership for a third season. Their brand fits perfectly with the high energy lifestyle of Formula One and they always come up with exciting activation ideas, such as the special edition Force India can we created last year. 2017 promises more of the same with great results on and off the track."

Bertrand Gachot, CEO of Hype Energy Drinks: “Our partnership with Sahara Force India has been a real success story. The team achieved so much last year and the 2017 season looks very exciting. As a former driver with the team, I'm proud and excited to continue to be part of their story as a sponsor. To be able to work alongside old friends is an immense pleasure. We're thankful to Vijay and Otmar, who give us the freedom to try innovative ideas that take our brand to the next level. Since we started the partnership, the Hype Energy brand has grown and we’ve been able to increase our distribution networks. Extending the partnership for a third year was an obvious choice and I’m excited to see what the 2017 season has in store."

Force India finalizes Barcelona test line-up

Celis Jr.

Force India has confirmed its full driver schedule for both pre-season test sessions, with development driver Alfonso Celis Jr. set to receive more track time.

Testing will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from February 27 to March 2 and March 7 to 10, before teams head to Australia for the season-opener.

Sergio Perez is set to debut the VJM10 on February 27, before handing over to new teammate Esteban Ocon on day two, with Celis Jr. getting a run on day three.

Perez and Ocon will then share the final day of the first test.

For the second test week, Force India's running will be shared between its race drivers, with Ocon allocated days one and three, and Perez given days two and four.

Haas is the only other team to have confirmed its test line-up.

Bell: RS17 'first real Renault' of new era

Bob Bell

The RS17 is the "first real Renault" of the manufacturer's latest spell as a works Formula 1 team, after a hurried return in 2016, says Chief Technical Officer Bob Bell.

Renault returned to manufacturer status last year, having supplied engines in previous seasons, and struggled to ninth in the standings after taking over the cash-strapped Lotus operation.

However, the team quickly switched focus to 2017's regulation overhaul, and the RS17, which was unveiled during a ceremony in London on Tuesday.

"It's no secret that our 2016 car was not one born of a lengthy or smooth development process, so the RS17 is the first real Renault Formula 1 car of the modern era," said Bell.

"It's a ground-up design as we had the time and the resources to do it, notwithstanding the fact that
the change in the regulations demanded it.

"There is no carryover of componentry from 2016 to 2017, so it really has been a 'clean sheet of paper' approach."

Bell added that he is "very confident" regarding the outlook for the car.

"Our performance metrics show that we've made gains in a strong and consistent manner throughout its development," he explained.

"If you look at the car itself you will see tremendous attention to detail and sophistication, illustrating that it's been designed by a talented and knowledgeable group of people.

"This is a proper Renault Formula 1 car and what we know about it so far gives me a lot of optimism."

Meanwhile, on the power unit side, Engine Technical Director Remi Taffin hopes that Renault can "close the rest of the gap" to pace-setting manufacturer Mercedes.

Taffin has worked closely with Chassis Technical Director Nick Chester, the respective UK and French factories in Enstone and Viry-Shetland now working in harmony.

"Last year we wanted to cut the gap to the best performing power unit on the grid in half whilst becoming
the most reliable power unit on the grid, which is something we feel we achieved," he said.

"For 2017 we want to close the rest of the gap.

"This is a high target, and the margin performance gains will be hard won.

"The harder you push for performance the more you encroach on the safety zone for reliability, so it's a balance which has to be juggled.

"It's a battle we relish and which energizes everyone."

Renault has set a target of finishing fifth in the 2017 standings.