Five points-scoring finishes in a row mean Carlos Sainz is on his best run of form since his Formula 1 debut in 2015. And the Spaniard is hungry for more as he aims for a strong result on Renault’s home turf at Le Castellet.
How is Chilli feeling ahead of the French Grand Prix?
We’re coming from a very strong team result in Canada so I think we can be positive about that. We need to keep developing the car at this rate. Everything we are bringing to the circuit is working and the car is getting quicker and quicker. Paul Ricard has quite similar characteristics to Montréal. [It has] two long straights and emphasis on a good top speed. So if we can perform in a similar manner to Canada we’ll be happy.
With it being the first French Grand Prix in 10 years, does that bring an added level of motivation?
Each weekend I’m highly motivated to achieve the best result possible and this will be no different in that regard. However, the fact that it is the home race for Renault will give us all an extra boost! It’ll be a busy Grand Prix off the track and there’ll be a lot of interest from media and sponsors. But when the visor goes down, it’ll be business as usual for us guys. And we’ll be out there to get the maximum from it.
You have five points-scoring finishes in a row, your best in Formula 1 to date, what’s been behind this bright run?
I feel we are making good progress every time I go on track in the Renault R.S.18 and this is translating into points, shown at the past few races. It’s good to be consistent and to keep picking up points at every race. That’s the target every weekend, so let’s make it six in a row in France!
Our #FrenchGP preview continues: @Carlossainz55 recalls the most successful race weekend of his life, which happens to be at the @PaulRicardTrack!#RSspirit pic.twitter.com/2BEpbUeB1n
— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) June 19, 2018
