Many Formula 1 teams were able to test before the season started in Austria, but Renault had perhaps the most valuable test. They were present at the Red Bull Ring for the test, to the displeasure of Helmut Marko.
''On Saturday we'll see if it was so valuable to us, but if it starts raining on Friday it goes without saying that we'll have double the value of that test. As a team, we decided early on, but for a long time we weren't sure if it was feasible," said Cyril Abiteboul to Canal Plus.
Marko spoke Abiteboul
Helmut Marko was less enjoyable after the test of Renault. According to the Austrian, the Red Bull Ring should never have allowed a competitor to test on the circuit, certainly not prior to the Double Header on the same circuit. However, Marko also informed Abiteboul personally.
''I heard some statements from Helmut and also received a message from him. I still have a lot of appreciation for him, which he might not realize. Of course we weren't because of Red Bull, but just for the drivers. They were able to drive 120 and 130 laps and that might help this weekend'', Abiteboul concluded.