Chassis Technical Director Nick Chester explains the demands of the challenging Hungaroring circuit as the R.S.17 continues to demonstrate improved pace.
What are the challenges of the Hungaroring?
It’s tight and twisty throughout, aside from a big long straight across the start and finish line. It has many low and medium speed corners, which demand stability on corner entry and strong traction on the exit. It’s quite hard on both the front and rear tyres so overall it can be characterised as a tough handling circuit. It’s not the most frequented of circuits, so the surface starts the weekend a bit green, then improves through the weekend.
What are your post-Silverstone thoughts?
We had significant aero upgrades in Silverstone and we expected to see improvements in overall grip and stability. We made the car more drivable with more downforce. It took a big step forward and we could see that in the measurements made in the car, so we are reasonably confident this will carry forward.
What caused Jolyon Palmer to miss the race?
It was something as simple as an O ring in the hydraulic system. We’ve been investigating thoroughly to determine why it failed to ensure we don’t see this again.
What new parts are there for Budapest?
Both cars will have the new floor we validated. We will evaluate updated front bodywork and a modified cooling package.
Enjoy your weekend everyone; since we’re not here to entertain you through it, we leave you with a treat; a #QuickQuiz with Nico & Jolyon! pic.twitter.com/dy3PBYLhc7
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) July 21, 2017
